Philosophy

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).

Months of entry

October

Course content

This one-year course (two years part-time) provides an ideal academic environment for those who would like to study the subject at a higher level in preparation for a PhD or as a basis for future employment. Significant numbers of former students go on to further study. The course includes research training and allows you to write a substantial dissertation on a topic you wish to pursue at PhD level. Our staff members have expertise in a very wide range of areas, so there is considerable flexibility over choice of dissertation topic. Modules are taught via group seminars and one-to-one tutorials.

Course structure

Candidates shall study and be assessed in the following modules:

List A:

• Dissertation
• Philosophical Perspectives

Candidates shall also study and be assessed in modules to the value of 90 credits from Lists B, C and D. The module titles below are those offered in previous academic years. Not all the modules will necessarily be available every year.

List B:

• 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

List C:

Candidates taking modules from List C must take both modules:

• Business Ethics 1: Ethical Leadership
• Business Ethics 2: Society and Sustainability

List D:

Candidates taking modules from List D must take both modules:

• Moral and Corporate Trust: Trust and Accountability
• Moral and Corporate Trust: Trust and Business Ethics

Information for international students

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.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.