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Philosophy (by research) MA

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Immerse yourself in an advanced intellectual journey with Nottingham Trent University's MA Philosophy by research. Delve deeper into the ultimate questions of human life as you expand your global perspective and challenge preconceived notions. Our distinguished faculty, experienced in teaching students from all over Asia, Europe, and beyond, will expertly guide you in honing your research skills and equipping you for real-world professional challenges at a postgraduate level. We wholeheartedly welcome both British and international students to join our multicultural academic community as we explore the complexities of philosophical thought together and contribute to the growing global conversation.

The course is available both full time over 1 year, or part time over 2 years.

What you’ll study

There is great flexibility in the way you can customize your own research, as well as your final award. You will work on a primary research topic under the supervision of an expert member of staff. Our program boasts a wide range of expertise spanning from continental to analytical philosophy. With a special emphasis on real-world applications, you'll be well-equipped to examine the most pressing questions in today's society.

What topics you choose will be entirely up to you, and we are willing to consider supervision of any philosophical topic. However, we would especially welcome research proposals on the following topic areas:

  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Philosophy of AI
  • The Philosophy of Time and Contemporary Metaphysics
  • Existentialism and Phenomenology
  • Michel Foucault
  • French Post-Structuralism and the Postmodern Moment
  • Contemporary Feminism
  • Contemporary Epistemology and Epistemic Justice
  • Philosophy of Globalisation
  • Philosophy of Language
  • World Philosophy
  • Post and decoloniality
  • Meta-ethics
  • Moral Status
  • The History of Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Science
  • The Philosophy of Film and Media

Our course offers you an exceptional opportunity to enhance both your employability and research prospects. By engaging in original, in-depth research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members, you will develop critical skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and powers of effective communication. These skills are highly valued by employers across various industries, ensuring that you acquire a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, the MA (by research) serves as an excellent foundation for those considering pursuing a Ph.D. or a career in academia, as it provides the necessary experience and credentials to excel in advanced research environments.

So take the first step towards an exhilarating and rewarding educational experience by joining our MA Philosophy (by research) in program. Shape your own path, uncover new insights, and become a leading voice in the philosophical world, all while building a solid foundation for your future endeavours. Seize the opportunity and let your passion for philosophy flourish, as you distinguish yourself as a future intellectual and skilled professional.

If you require more information on applying and the structure of the course, please do get in touch and we will be happy to speak with you.

Philosophical Approaches to the Humanities

This module is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and training necessary for advanced research in the humanities, while enhancing your employability prospects. Whether you aspire to pursue a PhD or enter the job market, this course will help you transition from undergraduate to postgraduate level, fostering creative and imaginative engagement with your subject matter. Learn best practices in research, encompassing vital aspects such as theory, methodology, rigor, and context. Our experienced faculty will mentor you in crafting literature reviews, formulating research questions, and developing impactful projects.

Research Dissertation

This study module is tailored to foster your intellectual curiosity and empower you to explore the fascinating world of philosophy. Under the close guidance of an expert supervisor, you will delve into a philosophical topic of your own choice, ensuring you receive the support and direction necessary to thrive in your chosen area of study. This module offers you the invaluable opportunity to present your work at a postgraduate conference, enabling you to engage in critical reflection and further develop your research skills. Additionally, you will have the chance to attend writing retreats, enhancing your research and writing abilities in a focused and supportive environment. Your journey will be enriched by the freedom to explore a wide range of philosophical topics, such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, political philosophy, and more.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Adam Dorsey

No matter their role, or the type of advice I needed, all the staff I had contact with were extremely supportive and helpful, providing timely, relevant, and very useful advice and feedback. There is a strong postgraduate community at NTU.

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 Curtis

Dr Benjamin L. Curtis is specializing 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.

For details of Dr Curtis’s academic publications can be found here

Dr Neil Turnbull

Neil is currently the Head of English, Linguistics and Philosophy at NTU.  He has published widely on a number of philosophical issues and themes in books and academic journals - especially Theory, Culture and SocietyTelosSpace and CultureCultural Politics and New Formations.  His current research addresses the question of the relationship between Philosophy, science technology and modernity.

More information on Neil’s research can be found here

Dr Ruth Griffin

Ruth is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and is currently the course leader for the Joint Honours Humanities suite of undergraduate programs. She studied for her first degree at University of York and gained her MA and PhD (2005) from Nottingham Trent, where she has been teaching since 1999. She has also taught adult learners at University of Nottingham and Broadway Cinema. She is particularly interested in teaching and researching inter-disciplinary approaches to philosophy, culture and everyday life, most notably philosophy of film/media, Feminism and Existentialism.

More information on Ruth can be found here

Staff Profiles

Benjamin Curtis - Senior Lecturer

School of Arts & Humanities

Benjamin Curtis

Neil Turnbull - Interim Head of Department

School of Arts & Humanities

Neil Turnbull is the Interim Head of Department for the School of Arts & Humanities.

Ruth Griffin - Senior Lecturer

School of Arts & Humanities

Ruth Griffin

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.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for September 2024:

Course

Full-time Home (UK) tuition

Part-time Home (UK) tuition*

MA Philosophy (by research)

£8,600

£4,300

* 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.

Scholarships are available for students who have been offered a place on this course for September 2024

Home (UK) students funding

  • Dr Pauline Polkey Postgraduate Bursary - apply
  • UK Postgraduate Masters Scholarship - apply
  • The Research Pathway Scholarship – School of Arts and Humanities - apply

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 2024:

Course

Full-time International and EU tuition

Part-time International and EU tuition*

MA Philosophy (by research)

£17,500

£8,750

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.

How to apply

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

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.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

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.

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