Philosophy (MA) - 2013/2014 entry
-
Overview
This programme is ideal if your first degree was solely or mainly in philosophy and you want to develop and diversify your command of the subject, or if you are interested in undertaking philosophical research, but are not yet quite ready to commit to an MPhilStud or a PhD. It will also suit you if you have not studied philosophy formally before, and want to develop a broad grounding in the subject. Such conversion students start with the Introduction to Philosophy course, which introduces a cluster of central areas and incorporates study skills and seminar discussions.
Find out more about the MA and about studying philosophy at Birkbeck.
-
Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- Develop your research skills in philosophy in preparation for a PhD/MPhil.
- Wide range of courses taught by an experienced faculty with an international reputation.
- Includes not only lectures and seminar teaching, but also one-to-one tutorials.
-
Course structure
If you already have a background in philosophy, you will take four modules, normally chosen from:
- Epistemology
- Ethics
- Gender and Philosophy
- Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle
- Logic and Metaphysics
- Philosophy of Language
- Philosophy of Mind
- Philosophy of Nietzsche
- Philosophy of Science
- Political Philosophy.
Please note: module content may vary from year to year.
If you have little or no background in philosophy, you take two of these modules and the double module Introduction to Philosophy. This covers ethics, political philosophy, epistemology and methodology, and logic and metaphysics. It also includes some training in formal logic.
In addition, you will write a dissertation, which may be in one of the option modules already chosen, or in another area of philosophy.
-
Study resources
As a philosophy student, you will be part of the thriving philosophical community in the University of London and eligible to attend the extensive range of seminars and conferences put on intercollegiately through the Institute of Philosophy.
Library resources include the Department of Philosophy's specialist library, which supplements the main Birkbeck and University of London libraries. You will also have access to computer workstations with email and internet facilities.
Find out more about our philosophy resources.
-
Further study opportunities
If you are interested in further research, we offer an MPhilStud and a PhD/MPhil in Philosophy.
A number of philosophy MA students go on to PhD studies after completing their course. Progress to a PhD will normally be dependent on gaining a distinction in the Master's programme. It will also be dependent on a member of the teaching staff agreeing to act as principal supervisor for your PhD research.
Most Birkbeck students undertaking a PhD begin by being registered for the MPhilStud. This provides a structured course of study and allows time to decide upon a potential PhD topic. Some students complete the MPhilStud and then apply for the PhD (which ordinarily takes one year less than for students without an MPhilStud). Others apply to transfer to the PhD before they have completed the MPhilStud.
Students whose initial application is for the PhD/MPhil are expected to have a clear idea of their thesis topic at the application stage; and it is advisable, though not essential, to contact a member of staff who works in your area and ask them to comment on your thesis proposal if you are making an application.
-
Careers information
Graduates go on to a wide range of careers, including law, management, politics, recruitment and journalism.
-
Further details
On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of key philosophical texts through the close reading of relevant texts
- accurately summarise philosophical arguments and positions
- argue your own philosophical views in the light of criticism and be prepared to amend them
- demonstrate a critical command of philosophical terminology
- formulate philosophical questions with precision and clarity
- support and challenge philosophical views and positions by constructing arguments and citing relevant considerations
- demonstrate an enhanced ability to write, read and discuss philosophy through a wide variety of learning experiences
- demonstrate that you have carried out a piece of supervised research on a specific philosophical topic and presented a coherently argued account of the topic in a structured dissertation.
-
Apply now
- Application deadlines and interviews
We recommend you apply as early as possible. Later applications may also be considered, subject to availability of places. - Online application
You can apply online from the link below.
- Application deadlines and interviews