MRes Philosophy: The University of Manchester

Course description

The course is intended to provide in depth study of specialized areas of analytical philosophy. It is for those seeking to go on to complete a three year doctoral programme or who wish to obtain an externally credited Masters with rigorous research training.

Course aims

The course aims to prepare outstanding Philsophy graduates for doctoral research.

Special features

4 of the 5 course modules are highly specialized "Research Paper" units, taught by members of staff on their own area of research. The dissertation component is more substantial than other Master's courses, providing a firm foundation for PhD study.

Module details

The course consists of 5 modules and a dissertation. 1 module is compulsory: the MA/MRes Research Skills module. The remaining 4 are `Research Papers'. These modules are based on the current research of staff and are thus very specialized and tend to vary from year to year. Previous modules have included: The Theory of Descriptions; Collective Obligation; Smith's The Moral Problem; Philosophy of Music. The dissertation is a substantial piece of work, counting for 50% of the course. This long essay may form the basis for subsequent doctoral study.

Career opportunities

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

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: 2:1 (or overseas equivalent) in Philosophy.

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).

Test scores valid for 2 years.