MA Philosophy: The University of Manchester

Course description

The MA in Philosophy programme offers in-depth training and discussion in a range of topics in analytical philosophy and (if desired) political philosophy.

Their MA programme is ideal for those who obtained their undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Philosophy (Philosophy graduates should apply for the MRes) and is suitable both for those who intend to study for a PhD afterwards, and for those who simply want to spend an extra year widening their knowledge of philosophy and researching a particular topic in depth before going on to pursue a career outside academia.

Course aims

The course aims to provide a `conversion' course for non-philosophers, either to allow them to pursue further postgraduate study in philosophy, or simply to provide a more in depth study of aspects of philosophy that may have arisen in their previous study.

Module details

The programme consists of four course units, two of which (the MA/MRes Research Skills Seminar and Philosophical Methods) are compulsory, and a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words. Available course units may include metaphysics; epistemology; philosophy of social science; philosophy of language; Philosophy of Mind; Ethics; Aesthetics. All their MA course units are run specifically for postgraduate students.

The dissertation is supervised by a member of staff with expertise in the relevant topic. Help with planning and preparing to write the dissertation is provided within the MA/MRes Research Skills Seminar.

Career opportunities

Successful graduates go into careers such as academia, the Civil Service, journalism, teaching, law, and wide range of related positions in both the public and private sectors.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

• UK undergraduate (or overseas equivalent) degree at 2:1 level or above in a Social Science or related subject.
• 2:2 (or overseas equivalent) in a Social Science or related subject for Postgraduate Diploma route entry.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English must attain one of the following:

• IELTS - Overall 7, writing score  7
• TOEFL - Overall 623, TWE 5 (PBT)
• TOEFL - Overall 263, TWE 5 (CBT).  This test is no longer available but results less than 2 years old can be submitted.
• TOEFL  - Overall 100, with 25 in each of the 4 sections (IBT)

Applicants with scores below our requirements may be eligible to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses.  Duration will be confirmed when an official result has been received.

Exemption to the requirements is at the discretion of the School.  Applicants who have been taught and assessed in English on previous degrees may still be required to show proof of English proficiency via TOEFL/IELTS.

TOEFL Certificates - please designate the University of Manchester as a recipient of your result.  The code is 0757.  Results must come directly from ETS (TOEFL).