MA Philosophy

The MA in Philosophy is offered by both full-time and part-time study. Its flexible structure allows you to choose your own balance of depth and breadth in your coverage of different subject areas.

Who is the MA for?

• The MA is designed for two sorts of student—those with and those without a background in Philosophy.
• It allows you to choose your own balance of depth and breadth in your coverage of different subject areas.
• You could choose to concentrate your work in the philosophy of value (ethics, political, aesthetics..), in the philosophy of knowledge and reality (metaphysics, epistemology, language..), or in the history of philosophy (Greek, Early Modern, Nietzsche..)
• Alternatively, you can choose modules from quite different regions of the discipline to achieve a more even spread.

What is the course structure if I already have a BA in philosophy?

• If your first degree was solely or mainly in Philosophy and you want to develop and diversify your command of the subject, then you choose four one-term modules for 30 credits each; and write a dissertation (10,000 words).

What is the course structure if I'm a newcomer to philosophy?

• If you have little or no background in Philosophy, so that your aim is to
  introduce yourself to the subject and develop a broad base of knowledge, then you are a 'conversion' student.
• You take Introduction to Philosophy, which is a compulsory double module for 60 credits; you also choose two other modules of the
  standard 30-credit sort; and write a dissertation.

What does studying for the MA involve?

• Studying for the MA involves attending the lecture-seminars for your modules, keeping up with the relevant readings, and writing essays for final assessment (on one of which you are entitled to a one-to-one tutorial).
• It also involves writing a dissertation, for help with which you will be assigned a supervisor whom you can meet for a brief initial discussion to establish your topic and relevant readings, plus up to two rounds of comments on a draft.

What provisions do you make for part-time students?

• Many MA students at Birkbeck are part-time and we understand the shortage of time such students experience can make for difficulties.
• The members of the Department are well aware of this, and are prepared to do what they can to minimise difficulties.
• There are bound to be times when pressures of employment and other commitments make attendance at lectures, reading or written work difficult to manage.
• Our experience has shown that such periods do not mean that you fall hopelessly behind. By consulting the MA Tutor, you can usually overcome problems associated with periods of reduced attendance (whether studying part-time or full-time).

What module choices are available?

• Modules are selected from a wide range of courses. Please see the current list for more information on each module.

What is the Personal Tutor System?

• The Personal Tutor system is designed to offer all MA students additional advice and guidance during their time at Birkbeck.
• You Personal Tutor can help you if you encounter financial or personal difficulties which affect your studies.
• The MA Tutor acts as your Personal Tutor until you are assigned a dissertation supervisor (typically, at the end of Term 1 for full-time students, and at the end of Year 1 for part-time students).
• Once you are assigned a dissertation supervisor, your supervisor takes over the role of Personal Tutor.

What are the fees?

• Course fees are listed on the main Birkbeck programme page below:
• View course content, entry requirements and fees

How do I apply?

• We prefer all applications to be made online. You can do this by going to the page below and clicking the link under 'Apply now':
• Apply for the full-time or part-time MA

Who will I be taught by?

• The Birkbeck Philosophy department is highly research active, and its international reputation for excellence means it attracts graduate students from all over the world.
• Lectures are given by faculty, seminars by a mixture of faculty and trained graduate students, and one-to-one tutorials normally by faculty. Dissertation supervision is given by faculty members.
• You can find out about individual staff members' areas of interest and publications by looking at their staff web pages.