The course

One of the few Masters-level programmes in the country to specialise in the 'European' tradition in philosophy, this MA course draws on our department's core research and teaching strengths in 19th and 20th-century French and German thought, and Continental political philosophy. Focusing on the interpretation and analysis of key texts, MA students will study the development of European philosophy paying particular attention to the influence of Kant and to the debates that structured the development of post-Kantian philosophy in both Germany and France. The flexible nature of the course allows students to concentrate on European philosophy or to engage with a broader range of options which include Human Rights, Continental Aesthetics and Anglo-American Political Theory.

At Royal Holloway we have a unique approach to the subject that looks beyond the narrow confines of the Anglo-American analytic or European tradition of philosophy to connect philosophy to other disciplines across the arts, humanities and social sciences. The result has been the creation of a truly interdisciplinary and collaborative programme that brings together academic staff from departments across the university - including scholars of drama and theatre, literature and political philosophy. Not only dedicated teachers of the subject, our philosophy staff are also experts and published authorities in their field.

This distinctive approach means that whichever area of philosophy you choose to study at postgraduate level, you will be able to place it in a wider context, with the support of experts across the disciplines. Our departmental specialisms include a wide range of philosophical topics such as ancient and Hellenistic philosophy, 19th and 20th-century European philosophy, contemporary analytic philosophy and American pragmatism.

Teaching & assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework and a dissertation.

Your future career

Philosophy degrees are well-regarded by employers because they give you the capacity to think through issues and problems in a logical and consistent way and to develop critical and transferable skills which can be applied in almost any area of employment.

So, by choosing to study this intellectually demanding discipline you will develop a broad range of highly prized transferable skills, both practical and theoretical, such as:

• the ability to communicate views and present arguments clearly and coherently
• the ability to critically digest, analyse and summarise complex ideas
• time management and the discipline to meet deadlines
• organisation and research skills
• problem-solving skills and capability

An MA in Philosophy is ideal for preparing graduates not only for doctoral research in philosophy or related fields in the humanities and social sciences, but also for a wide range of careers in education, the arts, politics and public policy.