Philosophy MA

Manchester Metropolitan University

Philosophy shapes the way we think about ourselves, our relationships with each other and the natural world. Now, more than ever, reflection on these relationships is so important.

Drawing on a rich and varied tradition of philosophical theory across Anglo-American and the continental European traditions, our MA in Philosophy allows you to engage with those important action-guiding concepts that are at the centre of key debates about the human condition and our relationship with nature. You’ll gain the skills to think critically and deeply about the challenges that confront us across politics, the sciences and the arts, as a result of rapid contemporary social, technological and environmental changes.

Taught by a close-knit, dedicated team of internationally acknowledged experts in a range of philosophical disciplines, you will gain first-hand knowledge of the key ideas and arguments of some of the greatest ancient, modern and contemporary philosophers. You will read some of the oldest texts of Western philosophy and some of the most recent, all of which are deeply relevant to our practices and lives today.

This course will tackle some of the most challenging modern and contemporary philosophical texts across a range of areas including philosophy of science and biology, metaphysics, critical social theories, ethics, aesthetics and the philosophy of art. So, by the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, intellectual confidence and resources to pursue your own exciting research projects.

We have close links with other departments within the University, and you will have a distinctive opportunity to develop your philosophical work in a genuinely interdisciplinary environment. You will be able to write a long research-project on a topic of your choice with the expert guidance of one of our philosophy tutors.

The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time; and either on campus (full-time) or online (full-time or part-time). The course starts in September with the exception of the part-time distance learning course which you can start in either September or January.

Features and Benefits

• Study at the intersection of critical social theory, ethics and philosophy of science - you'll have the opportunity to analyse these core philosophical elements in depth and combine this study with other disciplines.

• A route to PhD study - this MA provides a well-established route onto PhDs across a range of philosophical disciplines with experienced supervisors.

• Specialise in European Philosophy - take advantage of our leading, internationally renowned research in European Philosophy; with the opportunity to attend regular seminars hosted by our European Philosophy and Applied Philosophy Group, supported by the Royal Institute of Philosophy.

• Interdisciplinary - develop your philosophical work in an interdisciplinary and supportive environment, giving you the skills to be able to analyse philosophical issues across politics, science and the arts.

• Student Support - we provide a high-level of staff-student contact, together with a strong track-record in teaching excellence.

• Distance Learning - you will have the opportunity to study either on campus or by distance learning. On the distance learning route, you can participate in the programme through an international forum following the same units as you would if attending in person. Teaching and learning is specially tailored for distance-learning students and includes online discussion groups and tutorials. As well as the tailored unit content, you will have access to our very well stocked library where you can digitally access copies of professional development books, various chapters and a great number of professional, academic journals.

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).