Master of Arts in Philosophy

Our MA Philosophy degree offers you the rare chance to study Western as well as Eastern philosophy at the postgraduate level. For one year, you will be involved in the study of different philosophical concepts, theories, and approaches to issues concerning the mind and consciousness, action and politics, ethics and aesthetics, society and culture, globalism, power, territory, and much more. Our MA programme modules are specifically designed to provide an overview of current work in a particular area and are aimed at first-year postgraduate students. They each involve set readings and writing assignments. It is expected that you will already be (broadly) familiar with some key philosophical concepts or approaches upon starting this course. (We can supply you with an introductory reading list if you are new to this discipline.) In Part I of the programme you choose five modules of your choice up to 50 credits. In Part II you will complete a sustained piece of independent research during the spring and summer months.

In order to be admitted to the MA programme in Philosophy, applicants should have at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in Philosophy or a cognate discipline. Successful applicants must demonstrate relevant skills in writing and critical thinking (by receiving indicative marks on previous assessments, for example).

It is possible for applicants who have a primary degree but do not fully qualify for entry into the programme to undertake a Master's Qualifying Examination or a Higher Diploma in Arts. This qualification will enable prospective students to apply for this MA programme, though it will not grant automatic acceptance to it.

If a significant amount of time has passed since the applicant received their undergraduate degree, it may be possible to appeal for entrance based on work or other degree experience. These cases will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) carefully by the Graduate Studies Committee on a case-by-case basis.

It is recommended that applicants who are uncertain whether they qualify to consult with the department in advance of submitting an application. All applicants are subject to the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee in Philosophy.

Duolingo English Test: DET 120 (with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section)

IELTS: 6.5 Overall; 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)

TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall; Listening 20; Reading 19; Speaking 21; Writing 20

Cambridge Examinations:

C2 Proficiency
C1 Advanced
B2 First

176 overall with no less than 169 in each element of the test

Pearson PTE: Minimum score of 63 with no section score below 59