Entry requirements

The programme allows for multi-disciplinary entry. You need an upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, preferably in Philosophy or another relevant subject, or a Joint Honours degree of which Philosophy or another relevant subject is a component.

If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you are still very welcome to apply. We consider every application on its merits and we are happy to consider applicants with diverse academic backgrounds. Your level of academic achievement, letters of reference, and personal statement will all have strong influence on our decision. We may also require you to submit a writing sample. This should be around 3-4 pages long, and although it does not need to be a Philosophy essay, it should provide strong evidence of your potential for the type of discursive, analytical, writing that is required in Philosophy at postgraduate level.

We ask you to submit two academic references as part of your application, but if you have been out of academia for some time we will also accept a professional reference in addition to one academic reference.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Do we have free will? Is morality relative? Is time travel possible? Is global equality achievable? Can we justify religious belief? Can computers have consciousness? Philosophy is the systematic study of fundamental questions concerning the world and our existence in it.

Delve in to life’s big questions and explore the area of philosophy that interests you most through a wide range of specialist modules. These include: philosophy of mind and cognitive science; ethics, metaethics and global ethics; epistemology and metaphysics; philosophy of language; and philosophy of health and happiness.

Students on our MA Philosophy will be taught by a vibrant community of philosophers, pursuing original research on a wide range of topics on which expert supervision is available. This programme can also be used as a route into PhD research.

By studying philosophy at Birmingham you can develop many skills that are useful in both academic and non-academic settings:

  • Critical thinking skills: Good philosophers can analyse problems and assess opinions from different viewpoints. Philosophers do not take anything for granted. This is highly useful for problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Communication skills: Good philosophers can present and explain abstract concepts and complex arguments in an accessible manner. They are also good at persuading others by presenting logical and coherent arguments.
  • Writing skills: Good philosophers can communicate effectively in writing. They can write clearly and concisely without compromising rigour.
  • Research skills: Good philosophers can identify problems and collect necessary information to resolve them in a timely manner.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate enquiry service
Phone
+44 (0)121 414 3344