Course summary

Explore intriguing and complex contemporary issues with philosophers internationally recognised for their work in a wide range of specialist areas. Our rewarding MA Philosophy programme will develop your knowledge of philosophical issues and techniques, with a focus on topics at the forefront of epistemology, moral philosophy, and philosophy of mind and cognition. Building on a solid foundation by exploring the gamut of philosophical arguments through analysis of landmark works across the breadth of analytic, continental, and empirical varieties of philosophy, you’ll progress to investigate issues of real interest to you. You’ll be nurtured to reach your potential in a collegiate environment with a focus on meaningful exchange and participation in our specialist seminars. Moreover, our programme is designed to help you to master the key skills essential for a successful research career. Comprehensive training will build key skills for engaging in independent and collaborative research projects, essential in academia and in many graduate careers. Small group teaching with an emphasis on peer-to-peer discussion will foster your ability to communicate complex and controversial ideas in a professional manner. As a graduate of this programme, you’ll be experienced in addressing difficult questions creatively, critically, and collegially. Embedded in a thriving and supportive research community with its postgraduate work-in progress seminars, year-round reading groups, workshops and conferences, you’ll participate in the thought-provoking Royal Institute of Philosophy visiting speaker programme and an annual conference. We ranked fourth for the impact on society of our research in Philosophy, as published in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).