MA Philosophy University of Southampton

The MA in Philosophy provides a grounding for advanced work in philosophy. It is designed to cater both for those with an interest in doing an MA for its own sake and for those intending to go on to pursue a Ph.D. This programme will enable you to acquire a thorough training in research skills alongside the detailed study of the central works of philosophy. You will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of options covering particular areas and particular philosophers. You can select your own pathway or adopt a pick-and-mix approach to your studies.

Introducing your course

Philosophy at Southampton is internationally renowned for its research in areas such as Aesthetics, Normativity and the History of Philosophy. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework Philosophy at Southampton achieved the 7th highest score in the UK for its published work, so you will be joining a very high-caliber team.

The MA in Philosophy is a flexible programme that can be tailored to your own interests while providing you with a solid grounding in some of the central areas of philosophy. Whether you are simply intending to build on your undergraduate studies or planning to pursue advanced research, this programme has been designed to meet your needs.

This programme will enable you to acquire a thorough training in research skills alongside the detailed study of the central works of philosophy. You will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of options covering particular areas and particular philosophers. You can select your own pathway or adopt a pick-and-mix approach to your studies.

• Duration: 1 year (full time); 2 years (part-time)
• Start date: September
• Closing date: 1st September (an application decision cannot be guaranteed in time unless a complete application is received by this date - students requiring a visa to study should also allow extra time for visa processes)
• Dissertation Length: 20,000 words

Postgraduate loans are available.

Selection process

• Intake: 10
• Average applications per place: 2
• Academic entry requirements: First or upper second class honors degree, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University of Philosophy or a relevant subject.
• English language entry requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in writing, 6.5 in reading, listening and speaking, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University.
• Selection process: Online application

The interview may be required on a case by case basis to assess the suitability of course.

Typical course content

You will take seven modules and write a dissertation (of 20,000 words in length). The modules include three compulsory modules, two individually negotiated topics, and two further optional modules. The assessed work for these modules will be in the form of presentations, critical commentaries, essays and research proposals. Your dissertation may form the backbone of further advanced work towards an MPhil/ Ph.D.

How will you learn?

On a postgraduate taught programme teaching is led by academic staff, allowing you to engage with, and contribute to, the world-leading research carried out in Humanities at Southampton. You will complete a core programme of research skills development in tandem with a series of modules which you select according to your personal aims and objectives. Each programme offers a wide and fascinating range of modules related to our specialisms led by academics who are experts in their chosen fields of research and who wish to engage you with their experience.

Assessment

You will be assessed through essays and presentations which allow us to assess and provide feedback on the development of your capacity to interpret, analyze and criticise the philosophical texts, problems, and positions under debate. Not only this but you will also be assessed through a dissertation over the summer. The 20,000-word dissertation is a core element in establishing the acquisition of appropriate skills and the application of research techniques. Your supervisor will be available to provide regular and supportive advice, guidance and feedback on your progress.

Professional development

A masters degree will enable you to further develop the key skills employers seek such as time management; problem-solving; teamwork; deadline and project management; cultural awareness; working independently; using your initiative; relationship-building; critical thinking and research analysis. Above all, you will learn to communicate your ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences.