Philosophy by Research

About the course

The University of Hertfordshire offers an MA in philosophy that combines the flexibility of a research degree with the structure and support of a taught MA. Before writing a dissertation of about 15000 words, students on this programme take two modules on Methods in Philosophy, and two philosophy discussion classes. These preparatory studies include coursework on philosophical method and two 5000-word essays on topics of your choice. These studies will help you to develop your research skills and focus your interests before you undertake a dissertation.

 

Why choose this course?

• An internationally recognised research qualification.
• Developing advanced subject expertise at postgraduate level.
• Develop research skills through practice and extensive research experience.
• Employers are looking for high calibre graduates with advanced skills who can demonstrate independence through research.

For further information on this course please contact Brendan Larvor

For the latest information about fees for research degrees click here.

Philosophy MA booklet PDF

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Graduates with this degree will be able to demonstrate to employers a highly-valued ability to work independently on a substantial and challenging original project and to maintain that focus over an extended period, and will have developed much sought after, highly refined research skills.

Teaching methods

The research interests of individual philosophy staff members are diverse and wide ranging, and are not limited to a single philosophical tradition, school or period of philosophy. The topics they pursue often drive them to engage in research that is highly interdisciplinary. The department has several major areas of concentration and strength.

Ethics, broadly construed, including the relation between narrative, literature and ethics; Kantian ethics; virtue ethics; philosophical and religious aspects of love and friendship; the moral status of animals and the environment; moral agency; moral psychology.

Metaphysics, with strengths in time, perception, consciousness, idealism and structural realism.

Philosophy and Ethics of Information.

Philosophy of mind, psychology and cognitive science, especially, on topics relating to information; representation; perception; consciousness; phenomenal consciousness; intersubjectivity; folk psychology and enactive, embodied, extended approaches to the mind, philosophy of AI. Research on these topics is both philosophically and empirically informed and focused.

The work of specific thinkers, including Kierkegaard, Sellars, and Wittgenstein.

The philosophical research culture at UH is sustained by regular activities:

fortnightly research seminars, delivered by prominent external speakers, both national and international

regular staff/postgraduate reading groups.

the Philosophy Society, run by students, organizes talks and events such as the annual Philosophy Weekend, which is held at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park

multi-disciplinary research student and staff conferences organised by the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Research Institute (SSAHRI).

Professional Accreditations

None

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Research V500 Philosophy

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply