Philosophy - MA

About the course

1 year full time/2 years part time

This general course explores key ideas in philosophy. You'll develop your philosophical knowledge and understanding to a higher level. Take the research track if you want to go on to a PhD. The taught track is for anyone who just wants to learn more about philosophy, even if your first degree is in another subject.

Entry requirements

For the research track, you'll need a first-class or a strong 2:1 honours degree in philosophy. For the taught track, a first-class or a 2:1 degree in any subject.

English language requirements for overseas students

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6 in any component and at least 6.5 in written component, or TOEFL 91 (IBT), or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students 

Content

Choose one of the following three study programmes. You can combine modules from all three.

Metaphysics and Epistemology

Core module

• Research Seminar in Metaphysics and Epistemology (research track only)

Optional modules:

• Advanced Logic
• Feminism
• Epistemology
• Images and Experiences
• Kant
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of Mathematics
• Phenomenology
• Philosophy of Science
• Pragmatism
• Morality, Identity and Freedom
• Philosophy of Psychology

Language and mind

Core module:

• Research Seminar in Language and Mind (research track only)

Optional modules:

• Advanced Logic
• Images and Experiences
• Kant
• Phenomenology
• Philosophy of Psychology
• Value Theory
• Desires of One’s Own
• Philosophy of Science
• Morality, Identity and Freedom

Politics and value

Core module:

• Research Seminar in Politics and Value (research track only)

Optional modules:

• Feminism
• Hegel
• Theories of Rights
• Value Theory
• Philosophy of Sex
• Desires of One’s Own
• Morality, Identity and Freedom
• Killing and Letting Die
• Film and Philosophy; Liberty, Community and Democracy

Teaching

• Weekly seminars for core modules
• Lectures and seminars for optional modules

Assessment

• A long essay for each module
• PhD proposal (research track only)
• Dissertation

Fees and funding

If you qualify, you may be able to get financial support through the University's studentships and fee waivers, and the new AHRC Block Grant Partnership.

AHRC Block Grant Partnership and other sources of funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Joanne Elliot
E: j.m.elliott@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 0587

Where your masters can take you

A masters from Sheffield is excellent preparation for a PhD at any leading university. Many of our MA students take their PhDs with us, then go on to academic posts at places such as Aberdeen, Birkbeck, Cambridge, Essex, Keele, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Manitoba, Newcastle, Nottingham, the Open University, Oxford, Sheffield, Stirling and Zurich.

You'll be part of a large, diverse group of students from all over the world. You'll socialise together, share ideas and inspire each other.

A lively study environment

You'll be part of a large, diverse group of students from all over the world. You’ll socialise together, share ideas and inspire each other. We want your time here to be rewarding, a positive experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The Philosophical Gourmet Report 2009 recognised our strengths in Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Philosophical Logic, Philosophy of Cognitive Science, Philosophy of Mathematics, Mathematical Logic, Metaethics, Philosophy of Art, Kant, 19th Century Continental Philosophy, History of Analytic Philosophy, American Pragmatism and Feminist Philosophy.

The department is home to The Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies and the major AHRC research project on Culture and the Mind.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form