Philosophy

Studying this MA in Philosophy will hone your ability to think clearly and logically, and develop your writing, research and analytical skills. You'll study texts from different periods and philosophical perspectives, including works by Plato, Friedrich Nietzsche, Michel Foucault and Hannah Arendt; and you'll investigate contemporary debates on environmental aesthetics, consciousness, global justice, emotion, and morality in politics. Finally, you'll undertake a substantial piece of independent research, writing a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Key features
• Combines an in-depth study of philosophical texts and debates with a broad and diverse range of topics
• Examines texts by philosophers working at different times and from different perspectives
• Explores a variety of contemporary philosophical debates
• Develops valuable transferable skills that are highly prized in the workplace, including communication, problem-solving and self-management
• Provides excellent preparation for further study or research at doctoral level.

How long it takes
You will be able to complete this masters qualification within two years by studying one module each year.

Modules
To gain the 180 credits you require for this qualification, you must study the modules in the order shown below and pass part 1 before progressing to part 2:

Compulsory modules
• MA Philosophy part 1 (A853) 60
• MA Philosophy part 2 (A854) 120

Please note that MA Philosophy part 2 (A854) is worth 120 credits. Module fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore the fee for this 120-credit postgraduate module will be double that for the 60-credit postgraduate module MA Philosophy part 1 (A853).

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), in philosophy or a related subject. If you've got a degree conferred without honours, or that does not contain at least 20% philosophy related subjects, or with relevant experience in this field, you may still be eligible to study this qualification, subject to adjudication by the qualification team.

Although the foundation module, MA Philosophy part 1, will bring you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches, it assumes you'll have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursing the subject at undergraduate level. If you are in any doubt about whether you possess these skills or knowledge, you could study one of our undergraduate philosophy modules first, Investigating philosophy (DA223) (planned for October 2024) or Key questions in philosophy (A333), which are designed to introduce you to standard techniques of analysis and argument. You could also refer to the Preparatory reading indicated for MA Philosophy part 1.

To study successfully for this MA, you need to be able to:
• write clear, concise, accurate prose
• read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
• classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
• argue logically, consistently and sceptically
• marshal various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument.

If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.

180 credits

2 years

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance
This qualification will provide you with a respected qualification and valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking, research skills, time management, and problem-solving that are in demand in many areas of business, government and the media. If you are considering an academic career, the MA in Philosophy is ideal preparation for further study or research at doctoral level.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.