Taught course

Philosophy

Institution
Open University · Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), in philosophy or a related subject. If you've got a degree conferred without honours, or that does not contain at least 20% philosophy related subjects, or with relevant experience in this field, you may still be eligible to study this qualification, subject to adjudication by the qualification team.

Although the foundation module, MA Philosophy part 1, will bring you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches, it assumes you'll have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursing the subject at undergraduate level. If you are in any doubt about whether you possess these skills or knowledge, you could study one of our undergraduate philosophy modules first, Exploring philosophy (A222) or Key questions in philosophy (A333), which are designed to introduce you to standard techniques of analysis and argument. You could also refer to the Preparatory reading indicated for MA Philosophy part 1.

To study successfully for this MA, you need to be able to:

  • write clear, concise, accurate prose
  • read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
  • classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
  • argue logically, consistently and sceptically
  • marshal various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Studying this MA in Philosophy will hone your ability to think clearly and logically, and develop your writing, research and analytical skills. You'll study texts from different periods and philosophical perspectives, including works by Plato, Friedrich Nietzsche, Michel Foucault and Hannah Arendt; and you'll investigate contemporary debates on environmental aesthetics, consciousness, global justice, emotion, and morality in politics. Finally, you'll undertake a substantial piece of independent research, writing a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Information for international students

This qualification can be studied from anywhere in the world.

Fees and funding

For more information about fees and funding, please visit The Open University website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Online learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
The Open University
Email
general-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone
0300 303 5303