21Oct
PostgraduateCourse summary
Our MA in Philosophy provides the freedom to explore influential philosophical traditions in depth within a vibrant learning environment and to understand their relevance when applied, in particular, to contemporary global issues. The course is taken over one year full-time and two years part-time and offers two core modules with the first, Philosophical Perspectives, introducing you to different philosophical methodologies, critical analysis and a range of definitions of philosophy and the second being an MA dissertation. Optional Philosophy modules look at subjects as wide ranging as science and medicine and ethics and aesthetics but wider Arts & Humanities topics will also be available to you from across our seven departments. You will be able to benefit from a wide range of activities in the lively department, such as the weekly reading groups organised by EIDOS, the postgraduate philosophy society, conferences and workshops and also a series of lectures given by the Royal Institute of Philosophy. Further research towards PhD-level study is structured around stimulating research groups which cover areas such as aesthetics, ethics and politics as well as mind, language, metaphysics, science, medicine, the history of philosophy, and the history of women in philosophy. We offer a friendly academic environment in which you will be given every opportunity to broaden your philosophical knowledge and understanding, including access to the world-leading research and teaching that has given us a reputation for excellence in the subject. As a postgraduate philosophy student you will be fully immersed in an environment in which discussion and debate is actively encouraged. Course structure All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:
- a Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits
- Core Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
- Elective Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.
Modules
You will choose 90 credits of elective modules offered by the Department of Philosophy and other departments from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly 180.
Assessment method
Assessment, which is thorough and ongoing throughout the course, is carried out via essays and a major dissertation. You will be required to write essays based on topic discussions that take place in the seminar groups and on independent reading. The 12,000-15,000-word dissertation is completed on a topic of particular interest to you and will be written under supervision.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
A typical 2:1 classification or higher at undergraduate level or equivalent qualification with a substantial philosophy component. Admission Criteria for Research Focus on Science, Medicine and Society: A 2:1 classification or higher at undergraduate level or equivalent qualification with a substantial philosophy component or other appropriate component, for example science-related subjects.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed on the www.durham.ac.uk/study website once approved.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing on the Durham University website.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE