MA Philosophy

This MA Philosophy is an excellent preparation for a PhD and a career in academia. It also develops critical reasoning, logic, and systematic approaches to problem solving, alongside an ability to analyse an issue from a broader perspective, all of which are highly valued by employers in a variety of fields. This degree will allow you to become a visionary in a wide range of organisations.

Summary

The MA Philosophy programme at NCH provides a rigorous and wide-ranging programme relevant both to those entering formal philosophical study as graduates of other disciplines and to philosophy graduates seeking to consolidate and expand their studies.

NCH, with its lively and inter-disciplinary research culture and faculty including the philosophers A C Grayling, Simon Blackburn, Daniel Dennett, and Peter Singer, small-group seminars conducive to stimulating debate, and focused supervisions, offers a distinctive environment which is exceptionally conducive to the successful study of philosophy at PhD level.

Teaching & learning

The MA Philosophy will be delivered predominantly through seminars, of five to 15 students, and individual tutorials.

Students who are enrolled full-time should anticipate devoting approximately 35-40 hours per week to their studies for the duration of their degree. In Michaelmas and Hilary terms, this will include approximately six to seven formal contact hours per week, with the remainder consisting of structured independent study.

Independent study primarily comprises preparing both formative and summative work, though it may also include participation in Philosophy Society meetings, Philosophy Research seminars, and professorial lectures. In Trinity term, students predominantly work independently to write their dissertations.

Assessment

Summative assessment for the MA Philosophy will be by a range of essays and seminar presentations; assessment of some courses may include an exam. Students will also be assessed on a dissertation of 10,000 – 12,000 words.