Philosophy

Entry requirements

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience. International applicants should also see Doctoral School English language requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MA Global Philosophy provides a rich and advanced engagement with philosophy which exposes students to a wide variety of global, rather than narrowly Western, intellectual traditions and themes than would be possible in other philosophy postgraduate degree programmes.

This degree has a strongly applied element, designed to demonstrate the significance of philosophy for pressing contemporary concerns (such as the climate crisis, animal/human relations; gender debates; race relations; intercultural understanding; racial capitalism; public rationality and democracy).

The department has a very successful undergraduate degree in World Philosophies and the MA Global Philosophy is a natural development from the distinctive approach of Philosophy at SOAS which involves significantly expanding provision to engage with philosophical ideas and traditions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East whilst also providing training in Anglo-European philosophy. The degree will thus enable students to encounter contemporary European philosophy alongside other traditions in a global perspective without privileging that tradition above others.

Why study MA Global Philosophy at SOAS?

SOAS is ranked 13th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2022)

SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)

SOAS is home to the world’s the first ever co-created decolonising philosophy curriculum toolkit and handbook

Our department has been ranked 3rd for research outputs and 7th place overall in the Theology and Religious Studies research rankings (Research Excellence Framework REF 2021)

Theology and Religious Studies scored above sector in the following categories: research culture, community, progression, research skills, and professional development (2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey)

The MA Global Philosophy is designed both as a professional development qualification and as a platform preparing students for doctoral research.

Students are required to follow taught modules to the equivalent of 120 credits and to submit a dissertation of 10,000 words, worth 60 credits. Modules are assessed through a variety of methods including short and long essays, examinations, oral presentations, and response papers. An overall percentage mark is awarded for each module, based on the marks awarded for individual assessment items within the courses. The MA may be awarded at Distinction, Merit or Pass level in accordance with the common regulations for MA/MSc at SOAS.

We recommend that part-time students have between two and a half and three days free in the week to pursue their course of study.

Programme learning outcomes

Familiarity with a diverse range of thinkers, texts and intellectual traditions from different periods and cultures, from the ancient world to the present day, including texts and thinkers from both the Global South and North;  The cultural, historical, political, social and environmental contexts in which traditions of intellectual thought arise and interact with the contemporary world  The macro-historical factors (such as empire, processes of globalisation, capitalism, and intercultural exchange) that have facilitated the transnational circulation and transformation of ideas;   The problems and possibilities inherent in philosophical interpretation and (un)translatability; Traditions of intellectual thought and the history of ideas, globally conceived; Critical theory and its applications, understood within its historical contexts and contemporary manifestations; The study of philosophical ideas and traditions in relation to other disciplines; A recognition of the value of philosophy for contributing to the practical resolution of global challenges and possibilities.

Listening to and absorbing the oral transmission of complex ideas;   Careful reading of philosophical works and theoretical material;   Reflecting clearly and critically on oral and written sources, using powers of analysis and imagination;  Marshalling a complex body of information and constructing cogent arguments on the basis of that material;   Remembering relevant material and bringing it to mind when needed;  Constructing cogent arguments that have a strongly applied basis; Formulating independent ideas and defending them in a plausible manner.

Enhanced skills in the close critical analysis of philosophical texts;   A critical understanding of transcultural modes of reception and circulation of ideas)   Improved intercultural competencies;   Informed critical understanding of the variety of methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of global philosophy;   Ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories relating to the study of variety of philosophical traditions;   Sensitivity to the challenges of comparative and cross-cultural analysis;  Sensitivity to the problems of translation and cultural difference; Well-developed language use and awareness, including a grasp of standard critical terminology;  Articulate responsiveness to a variety of cultural and historical forms of philosophical reflection;  Familiarity with state-of-the-art debates concerning decolonial praxis in Philosophy Appropriate scholarly practice in the presentation of formal written work, in particular in bibliographic and annotational practices; Understanding of how cultural norms, assumptions and practices influence philosophical reflections; Appreciation of the value of collaborative intellectual work in developing critical judgement.

Developed powers of communication and the capacity to argue a point of view, orally and in written form, with clarity, organisation and cogency;   Enhanced confidence in the efficient presentation of ideas designed to stimulate critical debate;  Enhanced skills in critical analyses;   The ability to assimilate and organise substantial quantities of complex information of diverse kinds;   Developed ability in thematic and/or specialist expertise in the field of global philosophies;  Competence in the planning and execution of essays and project-work;  Enhanced capacity for independent thought, intellectual focus, reasoned judgement, and self-criticism;   Enhanced skills in collaborative intellectual work, including more finely tuned listening and communication skills;  The ability to understand, interrogate and apply a variety of theoretical positions and weigh the importance of alternative perspectives;  Research skills, including information retrieval skills and data analysis; IT skills: media-based skills.

SOAS Library

Students also benefit from the vibrant learning environment SOAS provides more broadly. The SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world.

Information for international students

For details, including English language requirements, please see SOAS website

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees, please see SOAS website