University College Dublin

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


A deepened appreciation of the significance and value of ideas in and for internationalisation and globalization