The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

MA Philosophy

Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, our grade point average in philosophy was higher than that of Oxford and Cambridge. Our courses are taught by some of the most respected philosophers in the world.

About the course

1 year full-time/2 years part-time

This general course explores key ideas in philosophy. You'll develop your philosophical knowledge and understanding to a higher level. Our MA is designed to prepare students who wish to continue to a PhD as many do.

We also welcome anyone who just wants to learn more about philosophy, even if your first degree is in another subject. Some advanced modules may only be available to Philosophy graduates.

Entry requirements

You'll need a first-class or a strong 2:1 honours degree in philosophy.

English language requirements for overseas students

Overall IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

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Core modules

  • Research Seminar in Metaphysics and Epistemology
  • Research Seminar in Language and Mind
  • Research Seminar in Politics and Value
  • Philosophical Foundations

Optional modules

  • Hegel
  • Film and Philosophy
  • Desires of One's Own
  • Liberty, Community and Democracy
  • Epistemology
  • Moral Obligation
  • Metaphysics
  • Philosophy of Psychology
  • Pragmatism
  • Feminism
  • Plato
  • Aristotle
  • Necessary Beings
  • Kant
  • Philosophy of Law
  • The Imagination
  • Epistemic Injustice

Teaching

  • Weekly seminars for core modules
  • Lectures and seminars for other modules

Assessment

  • A long essay for each module
  • PhD proposal (for students intending to continue to a PhD)
  • Dissertation

Fees and funding

If you qualify, you may be able to get financial support through the University's studentships and fee waivers, and the AHRC Block Grant Partnership.

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Joanne Elliot
E: j.m.elliott@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 0587

Briana Toole, MA Philosophy

Where your masters can take you

A masters from Sheffield is excellent preparation for a PhD at any leading university. Many of our MA students take their PhDs with us, then go on to academic posts at places such as Aberdeen, Birkbeck, Cambridge, Essex, Keele, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Manitoba, Newcastle, Nottingham, the Open University, Oxford, Sheffield, Stirling and Zurich.

You'll be part of a large, diverse group of students from all over the world. You'll socialise together, share ideas and inspire each other.

A lively study environment

We want your time here to be rewarding, a positive experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The Philosophical Gourmet Report 2011 recognised our strengths in Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics, Philosophical Logic, Philosophy of Cognitive Science, Philosophy of Art, Kant, 19th Century Continental Philosophy, American Pragmatism and Feminist Philosophy.

The department is home to The Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies and the Leverhulme-funded Implicit Bias and Philosophy Project.

We have the first ever UK Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy, Professor Angie Hobbs.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form