Philosophy (by research) MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Nottingham Trent University is home to a modern philosophy department which concentrates on contemporary aspects of Philosophy with particular strengths in 20th Century Continental Philosophy, Philosophy of Everyday Life, Film and Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion.
The MA in Philosophy (by research) is one of only a few MA courses that offers an advanced research MA which concentrates on numerous European philosophers and philosophical methodologies. The course equips you with the requisite skills in critical thinking and reflection, while familiarising you with the most current debates in contemporary philosophy.
What you’ll study
This focus on the latest thinking will allow you to apply a philosophical mindset to tackle real issues happening in the world today. The philosophy department at NTU is a very open community. You will have lots of access to our expert and support staff throughout the progress of your course.
The course has been designed to offer graduate students a thorough grounding in the key intellectual traditions that have defined contemporary philosophy. Through this course, you will enhance your level of understanding of the ideas, contexts and techniques required to philosophise in both academic and non-academic contexts.
You may pursue a wide variety of self-devised research studying, but not limited to, the work of Wittgenstein, Husserl, Heidegger, Foucault, Deleuze and Derrida and focus on how the latest thinking is applied to real-world issues.
The MA in Philosophy (by research) has been designed to offer graduate students a thorough grounding in the key intellectual traditions that have defined contemporary philosophy. Through this course, you will enhance your level of understanding of the ideas, contexts and techniques required to philosophise in both academic and non-academic contexts.
You will consider fundamental issues which arise around the role and practical application of philosophy in the 20th Century. You will be trained to critically assess the relevance of these philosophical methodologies in the wider context of economic, social, institutional, cultural, technological and particularly political changes taking place within the world today.
This will enable you to have a systematic understanding and knowledge of the following sub-topics and disciplinary themes:
- Aristotle, Descartes, Nietzsche;
- European philosophy; and
- phenomenology.
There is great flexibility in the way you can customize your own research and your final award.
- Philosophical Approaches to the Humanities: includes a focus on utilising different theoretical and research methodologies issues such as interpretation, hermeneutics, ethnography, ethics, positionality, phenomenological approaches to research, post-structuralism and critical theory. In addition, we aim to provide you with research skills for life-long learning which allows you to develop transferrable research skills such as researching with impact, researching in industry, funding and grant application, and researching in an international context.
- Dissertation and Research Preparation: The course is designed to equip you with the requisite skills in critical thinking and reflection while familiarising you with the most current debates in contemporary philosophy. You will be encouraged to achieve a specialised appreciation of traditional philosophical questions about justice, equality, ethics, power and knowledge, intercultural communication, and gender difference within the wider context of contemporary global issues and events. You can study a wide array of philosophical themes including, but not limited to, analytic philosophy, continental philosophy, philosophy of religion, practical ethics, philosophy of mind and philosophy and everyday life.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Assessment
Various formative and summative assessment methods are employed, ranging from essays and presentations to portfolios based on group projects, student-led conferences and of course the dissertation itself.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Further information
Expert teaching staff
Dr. Benjamin L. Curtis specializes in ethics, metaphysics, the philosophy of mind, formal logic, and artificial intelligence. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Nottingham and currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Nottingham Trent University. With a strong publication record, Dr. Curtis has contributed to numerous academic journals, books, and conferences, as well as popular media outlets such as The Conversation and the Independent. His interdisciplinary approach to philosophy and practical applications has allowed him to shape the future of philosophical education and engage with wider audiences on thought-provoking topics.
Careers and employability
This course is designed to not only enable you to enhance the base of your knowledge but to directly enhance your employability. Studying philosophy will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills prized by employers. Studying philosophy encourages intellectual innovation, imagination and enterprise, and helps to cultivate the crucial philosophical skills for implementing research exercises: flexibility, project management, adaptability, independence, autonomous learning, creative and critical reasoning, and problem-solving.
It provides excellent preparation for undertaking a PhD and gives you the freedom and support to shape your own work in the field of Philosophy.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From helping to shape international policy, to preserving our heritage, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
Find out more: ntu.ac.uk/research
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject or equivalent.
- You will also need to write a 300-word outline of your proposed research area.
- Please email us before applying if you need any advice.
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
You will need the equivalent to:
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject or equivalent.
- You will also need to write a 300-word outline of your proposed research area.
- Please email us before applying if you need any advice.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition | Part-time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Philosophy (by research) | £8,200 | £4,100 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full-time International and EU tuition | Part-time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Philosophy (by research) | £16,800 | £8,400 |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.