Overview
The Philosophy MA course offered by Durham University includes research training and allows you to write a substantial dissertation on a topic you wish to pursue at PhD level. Our staff members have expertise in a very wide range of areas, so there is considerable flexibility over choice of dissertation topic. Modules are taught via group seminars and one-to-one tutorials.
Course Learning and Teaching
The Taught MA in Philosophy provides the opportunity for in-depth engagement with areas of philosophy in which the Durham department has internationally recognised expertise. In the process, you will develop critical abilities and independent research skills that prepare you for further postgraduate study in Philosophy and for a wide range of careers where such skills are highly prized.
You can choose three optional ‘topic’ modules from a list of approximately 17. You are also required to take the ‘Philosophical Perspectives’ module and to complete a double-module dissertation. Topic modules are usually taught via seven two-hour seminars and up to four one-to-one tutorials. Seminars incorporate staff-led discussion of topics, student presentations and small group discussions, in the context of a friendly, supportive environment. Seminars serve to (i) familiarise you with topics, positions and debates, (ii) help you to navigate the relevant literature, (iii) refine your oral and written presentation skills and (iv) further develop your ability to independently formulate, criticise and defend philosophical positions. You are expected to do approximately four hours of reading for each seminar. You will also decide upon an essay topic, having received guidance from the module leader. At this point, you begin a more focused programme of reading and independent study, and also benefit from one-to-one supervisions with an expert in the relevant field. These supervisions provide more focused teaching, tailored to your chosen essay topic. Supervisions further enable you to develop and refine your own philosophical positions, convey them clearly and support them with well constructed arguments.
Programme Structure
Course structure
Candidates shall study and be assessed in the following modules:
List A:- Dissertation
- Philosophical Perspectives
- Ancient Philosophers on Necessity, Fate and Free Will
- Forms After Plato
- Science and The Enlightenment
- Philosophical Issues in Science and Medicine
- Philosophy and Religion
- Current Issues in Metaphysics
- Current Issues in Ethics
- Gender Theory and Feminist Philosophy
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
- Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Communication Studies Philosophy & Ethics View 119 other Masters in Communication Studies in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
Subject requirements, level and grade
A typical 2:1 classification or higher at undergraduate level or equivalent qualification with a substantial philosophy component.
Admission Criteria for Research Focus on Science, Medicine and Society:- A 2:1 classification or higher at undergraduate level or equivalent qualification with a substantial philosophy component or other appropriate component, for example science-related subjects.
- At least one example of written work on a philosophical theme (up to 5,000 words).
Tuition Fee
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International
22900 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 22900 GBP per year during 12 months. -
National
10100 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 10100 GBP per year during 12 months.
Part Time Fees
- EU students: £5,555 per year
- Island students students: £12,595 per year
Living costs for Durham
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.