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Philosophy at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This postgraduate philosophy course offers you a research-led curriculum and specialist modules taught by leading figures in their fields. It is designed to foster your intellectual curiosity and develop your independent thinking. Why choose this course?

  • If you have a first degree in philosophy, this course will give you the chance to further your studies in this field to an advanced level. If your degree is in a different subject, you will take a slightly different route to allow you to develop your capacity to engage with the key ideas in philosophy.
  • It is led by specialists and offers you a wide range of research-led modules to develop your philosophical interests.
  • The Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate are ideal if you want to develop a grounding in philosophy without undertaking a full MA course, while still having the option of transferring on to the MA Philosophy if you wish to.
What you will learn On this course you will explore the central aspects of Western philosophy and its history in a uniquely collaborative and supportive learning environment. The course is also distinctly flexible, allowing you freedom to choose modules you want to study following your own philosophical interests, while also providing you with a sound platform for proceeding to more advanced research work in philosophy. If you choose to study the MA, you will have the opportunity to complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of an academic adviser. For the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. How you will learn This course is available to study full- or part-time and offers both evening and daytime classes, so you can balance your studies with other commitments. It is taught through lectures and seminars. Highlights
  • This uniquely flexible course may be studied in the evening or in the daytime, over one or two years, and with or without prior philosophical study.
  • Birkbeck is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.
  • As a philosophy student, you will be part of the University of London's thriving philosophical community and be eligible to attend the extensive range of seminars and conferences put on by the Institute of Philosophy.
  • We have a specialist philosophy library at 30 Russell Square. The main philosophy collection is held in the Birkbeck Library, which has an extensive range of books and online resources.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this postgraduate philosophy course, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • research skills
  • critical-thinking skills
  • high-level oral and written communication skills in English
  • the ability to evaluate different types of evidence and information
  • presentation skills
  • the ability to persuade with cogent arguments.
Graduates can pursue career paths in management, politics, recruitment and journalism. Possible professions include:
  • further/higher education lecturer
  • secondary school teacher
  • Civil Service fast-streamer
  • local government officer
  • marketing executive
  • recruitment consultant.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment varies depending on the modules taken but includes essays and take-home examinations. It can also include seminar participation and presentation.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, not necessarily in philosophy. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

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

To be confirmed
Philosophy at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS