Philosophy MA
The MA programme is suitable for graduates who already have some knowledge of philosophy and wish to deepen their understanding of selected areas. It is also suitable for strong students who wish to transfer into philosophy from another subject.
The course is highly flexible, and can be tailored to suit the needs of students with differing ambitions and backgrounds. Those intending to go on to the PhD, either at Sheffield or elsewhere, will learn to do philosophical research of high quality. We can help them develop a clearly focused topic, and provide them with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills they will require. We can also help students wishing only to deepen their knowledge of philosophy at Masters level.
Structure
The full-time Philosophy MA degree last for one year, and consists of 180 credits. The programmes involve the following components:
- • Attend three modules, where one should ordinarily be one of the Research Seminars put on especially for MA students in Philosophy (Mind and Language, Metaphysics and Epistemology, Cognitive Studies, Politics, Value, History of Philosophy, Philosophical Foundations, Independent Research Module.)
• Write three papers (4-6,000 words each) on topics related to the subjects covered in the modules you have chosen (30 credits for each module)
• Write a PhD proposal (6-8,000 words), consisting of an outline of the projected thesis, accompanied by an annotated bibliography or literature search (30 credits). Students who plan to continue to a PhD must do this component. Students who do not may instead take a fourth module.
• Write a Dissertation of 9-12,000 words on a topic. (60 credits)
If you wish to continue to the PhD at Sheffield you will apply for a PhD place during the course of the year. To continue you will normally need a Distinction in the MA. Funding can be applied for separately.
The Philosophy MA can also be taken part-time, in which case the workload is divided over two years. University regulations require candidates for the MA to be registered for one year (full-time), or two years (part-time).
Supervision
Every student on the Philosophy MA is assigned a Supervisor for their research, with whom you will discuss your essays, as well as the PhD proposal and Dissertation. The relevant module lecturer will also advise you.