Philosophy MA

Course Summary

This one-year course (two years part-time) provides an ideal academic environment for those who would like to study the subject at a higher level in preparation for a PhD or as a basis for future employment. Significant numbers of former students go on to further study. The course includes research training and allows you to write a substantial dissertation on a topic you wish to pursue at PhD level. Our staff members have expertise in a very wide range of areas, so there is considerable flexibility over choice of dissertation topic. Modules are taught via group seminars and one-to-one tutorials.

Course Learning and Teaching

The Taught MA in Philosophy provides the opportunity for in-depth engagement with areas of philosophy in which the Durham department has internationally recognised expertise. In the process, you will develop critical abilities and independent research skills that prepare you for further postgraduate study in Philosophy and for a wide range of careers where such skills are highly prized.

You can choose three optional ‘topic’ modules from a list of approximately 17. You are also required to take the ‘Philosophical Perspectives’ module and to complete a double-module dissertation. Topic modules are usually taught via seven two-hour seminars and up to four one-to-one tutorials. Seminars incorporate staff-led discussion of topics, student presentations and small group discussions, in the context of a friendly, supportive environment. Seminars serve to (i) familiarise you with topics, positions and debates, (ii) help you to navigate the relevant literature, (iii) refine your oral and written presentation skills and (iv) further develop your ability to independently formulate, criticise and defend philosophical positions. You are expected to do approximately four hours of reading for each seminar. You will also decide upon an essay topic, having received guidance from the module leader. At this point, you begin a more focused programme of reading and independent study, and also benefit from one-to-one supervisions with an expert in the relevant field. These supervisions provide more focused teaching, tailored to your chosen essay topic. Supervisions further enable you to develop and refine your own philosophical positions, convey them clearly and support them with well constructed arguments.