Masters by Research Philosophy

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.

Read more about Philosophy staff and areas of supervision

How to apply

Before making your formal application, we recommend that you discuss your proposed research with the appropriate member of staff in the School of Creative Arts, and the Research Tutor, Dr. Saskia Kersten s.kersten@herts.ac.uk.

Please include an outline research proposal with your application. Members of academic staff will advise on the length and scope of the proposal.

Download an application form

Applications should be returned to DoctoralCollegeAdmissions@herts.ac.uk.

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).

Course experts

Dr Brendan Larvor

Find out more about Dr Brendan Larvor

Dr Craig Bourne

Find out more about Dr Craig Bourne

Dr Erin Plunkett

Find out more about Dr Erin Plunkett

Dr Sam Coleman

Find out more about Dr Sam Coleman

What’s next for my career?

• 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

See the latest information about fees for research degrees.