Postgraduate taught courses

MA in Philosophy

The MA is completed in one year full-time or two years part-time.The MA course is assessed by three individually supervised essays of 6,000-7,000 words each, an oral presentation and a dissertation.In addition, the department offers a range of classes and seminars relevant to MA students' research interests.MA students are required to attend classes on research methods and skills, and to attend a weekly seminar at which they present parts of their ongoing work.

Essays, presentation and dissertation are typically chosen from the following areas:

Philosophy of Mind; Metaphysics; Philosophy of Science; Wittgenstein; Philosophy of Language; Continental Philosophy; Ethics; Aesthetics; Philosophy of Law; Early Modern Philosophy; Political Philosophy; Philosophy of Religion; Kant; Plato and Aristotle; Epistemology

Students must submit two essays by the beginning of the Spring Term, make a presentation during the Spring Term and submit their third essay by the beginning of the Summer Term.

Students must also write a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words on a topic of their choice, supervised by a member of staff with expertise in the field. This is due late September.

The MA timetable is planned so that all the main graduate events are either on a Tuesday or a Thursday.Thursday is the most important as the Lunchtime Reading group and the MA seminar are both on that day. There are, in addition, individual supervision sessions arranged independently with members of staff.

Co-ordinator: Dr Bart Streumer; contact

MA in Ethics and Political Theory

What makes life worth living? What makes a society just, and its laws worth respecting? What do we owe to members of other societies, generations, and species? Can any of the answers to these questions really be true? If so, how can we know which answers to believe, and what reasons, if any, do we have to act upon them?

The purpose of the Masters Programme in Ethics and Political Theory is to enable students to address these and other philosophical issues of pressing personal and public concern. It will do so in a way that also prepares students for doctoral research in moral philosophy, normative political theory, or the history of political thought.

More details: MA Ethics and Political Theory (PDF-38 KB)