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 modules look at subjects as wide ranging as fate and free will, philosophy in science and medicine, cultural heritage, and ethics in the business world. 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.
Modules
Core modules: Philosophical Perspectives introduces you to different philosophical methodologies and to contrasting thoughts about what philosophy is. Critical reflection upon the nature of philosophy, through seminar discussions and independent reading, will equip you with the skills to write a Philosophical Perspectives essay. The Dissertation is an in-depth, independently produced piece of research of between 12,000 and 15,000 words, on a specialist area of interest in philosophy. You will research and produce the dissertation under the direction of a supervisor who is an expert in the chosen area. If you are considering a future in research, the MA dissertation may provide the basis for a PhD. Examples of optional modules: Ancient Philosophers on Necessity, Fate and Free Will; Forms After Plato; Science and The Enlightenment; Philosophical Issues in Science and Medicine; Philosophy and Religion; Current Issues in Metaphysics; Current Issues in Ethics; Gender Theory and Feminist Philosophy; Phenomenology and The Sciences of Mind; Current Issues in Aesthetics and Theory of Art; Ethics, Medicine and History; Mind and Action; Philosophy of The Social Sciences; Ethics of Cultural Heritage; Environmental Philosophy; Research Ethics; Special Topic in Philosophy; Business Ethics (Ethical Leadership; Society and Sustainability); Moral and Corporate Trust (Trust and Accountability; Trust and Business Ethics).
Assessment method
Taught modules will be delivered principally through group seminars and tutorials, which breaks down as seven two-hour seminars and two one-to-one tutorials. This time will be spent in staff-led discussions, taking part in student presentations and small group discussions. Learning takes place in a supportive environment that serves to familiarise you with a variety of topics, positions and debates, help you explore the relevant literature, develop your presentational skills and your ability to formulate, criticise and defend philosophical positions. For your dissertation, you will be offered six one-to-one tutorials of up to an hour each, with a supervisor who will be an expert in your chosen field. There is also a dissertation workshop during the summer when you will have the opportunity to present work and receive feedback from members of staff and from peers. 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 15,000-word dissertation is completed on a topic of particular interest to you and will be written under supervision.
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. At least one example of written work on a philosophical theme (up to 5,000 words).
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
| England | £11250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25750 | Year 1 |
| International | £25750 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £25750 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
Scholarships available for 2023 entry will be determined in September 2022. Over 60 scholarships are available, each year. Some scholarships are awarded to more than one person. For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE