Philosophy

MA Philosophy
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

You will develop your skills of critical analysis in both speech and writing, precision and clarity in your self-expression and a much more nuanced appreciation of central philosophical questions.

- School considered in the world's top ten for "20th Century Continental Philosophy"

- Two streams to choose from: (i) General; (ii) Contemporary European.

- Students on General stream can take classes in contemporary European philosophy, analytic philosophy and ancient philosophy.

The programme is suitable for those who have studied some philosophy as part of a university BA degree, and who would like the opportunity to continue their studies in a much more focused environment with like-minded peers and with more support from experienced staff.

Vision & Values Statement
Our MA in Philosophy programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge of philosophy at graduate level. It is also intended to provide a good foundation of graduate work for students who wish to continue to more advanced graduate research. The School of Philosophy encourages our students to be critical philosophical thinkers with the ability to reflect on current philosophical debates, history of philosophical thought and add their own contribution. We aim to provide a learning environment that fosters collegiality and a pluralistic approach to the main areas of philosophy and encourages students to engage critically with questions. As the largest teaching and research centre in philosophy in Ireland, the programme benefits from many world-leading figures in philosophy that give invited seminars and conferences throughout the year. Small group seminars and participation in conferences and workshops are a key element of the programme design. As such, the programme uses key approaches to teaching such as philosophical debates, critical reflections, essays and paper presentations.

Programme Outcomes
A deepened appreciation of the significance and value of ideas in and for internationalisation and globalisation

A grasp of how to pursue a career in academic life and the acquiring of transferable skills in research and organisation

A knowledge of how to write research proposals and attain funding from national and international organisations

An awareness of how to compose and structure philosophical writing for peer reviewed journals, book collections and monographs

An awareness of how to present and defend philosophical papers in seminars, workshops, conferences and other fora.

An enhanced awareness of how to work with texts, organise a thesis and set out extended philosophical arguments clearly and compellingly.

An enhanced awareness of the relevance of philosophy to other academic disciplines and to personal, professional and political life.

An extensive knowledge of library and online sources that facilitate research, including classical and foreign language sources.

Students on European Philosophy Stream: A detailed study of Kant and Post-Kantian philosophy including classical and contemporary work in Transcendental and Existential Phenomenology and Critical theory

Related Programmes
MA Philosophy & Literature FT
MA Philosophy & Public Affairs FT
Grad Dip Philosophy
MA Consciousness & Embodiment FT
MSc Cognitive Science FT

Stage 1 - Core
Dissertation PHIL40030

Stage 1 - Option
Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception PHIL40250
Philosophy & Literature PHIL40410
The Good Society PHIL40420
Philosophy of the Emotions PHIL40430
Autonomy as a Philosophical Problem PHIL40840
The Cultural Mind PHIL40960
Consciousness, Agency & the Self PHIL40970
John Henry Newman – a philosophical prespective PHIL41240
Feminist & Gender Theory PHIL41280
Topics in Continental Philos PHIL41320
Ethics in Public Life PHIL41510
Truth, History, Justice PHIL41560
Moral Agency PHIL41660
Thinking without Subject: Mind and Body before Descartes PHIL41670

This programme is intended for students with a primary degree in Philosophy, or in another degree that has significant philosophical components; an upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.

• Candidates with an upper second class honours in a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Philosophy may be considered.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

• These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MA Philosophy FT (W021)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

MA Philosophy PT (W181)
Duration 2 Years
AttendPart Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

90

1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time.

MA Philosophy (W021) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7315
nonEU fee per year - € 19900

MA Philosophy (W181) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4760
nonEU fee per year - € 9950

***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Next Intake: 2020/2021 September

Careers & Employability
Philosophy graduates work in diverse fields including business, public-sector management, marketing and advertising, media and broadcasting, recruitment and human resources.
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.