Contemporary European Philosophy

The MA Contemporary European Philosophy is sutied to students interested in Contemporary European philosophy also known as "Continental" philosophy. Taught by expert academics - UCD School of Philsophy is ranked in the top 100 Schools in the world according to QS World Rankings 2024.



The MA in Contemporary European Philosophy Programme draws on the three main specialisations within UCD School of Philosophy including German Idealism and Post-Kantian Philosophy, Phenomenology and Critical Theory.



Topics treated in the modules include transcendental and absolute idealism and subjectivity, intentionality and being in the world, embodiment and otherness, critique of ideology, autonomy and recognition, feminism and gender theory.

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHIL40030 Dissertation Summer 30

Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:

Students must select 4 modules from this list.

PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception Autumn 10

PHIL41240 John Henry Newman - Philosophical Perspectives Autumn 10

PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Autumn 10

PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction Spring 10

PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche Spring 10

PHIL41960 Environmental Ethics Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:

Student should choose 2 modules from this list

PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception Autumn 10

PHIL40410 Philosophy & Literature Autumn 10

PHIL40970 Topics in Philosophy of Mind and Cognition Autumn 10

PHIL41240 John Henry Newman - Philosophical Perspectives Autumn 10

PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Autumn 10

PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life Autumn 10

PHIL41890 Authenticity and Implicit Attitudes Autumn 10

PHIL41950 Philosophy of Religion Autumn 10

PHIL41530 Reading and Research Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) 10

PHIL40420 The Good Society Spring 10

PHIL40960 The Cultural Mind Spring 10

PHIL41350 Metaphysics (Level 4) Spring 10

PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction Spring 10

PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche Spring 10

PHIL41920 Love & Friendship in Early Modern Philosophy Spring 10

PHIL41960 Environmental Ethics Spring 10

Applicants must have at least a 2.1 (GPA of 3.08 or above) or international equivalent in an undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8) that involves a significant amount of philosophy.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

W456 MA Contemporary European Philosophy

Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026



W457 MA Contemporary European Philosophy

Master of Arts Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Philosophy graduates work in diverse fields including Media, Publishing, Public Policy, Education, Politics, Law, Journalism, Research And Further Study.



Graduates of UCD School of Philosophy have continued to have successful academic careers in Ireland, UK and the US. Others are prominent playwrights, journalists, human-rights activists, broadcasters, film-makers and musicians.