Philosophy (MRes)

Birkbeck, University of London

MA Philosophy Our MA offers you postgraduate teaching in central aspects of Western philosophy in the broadly analytic tradition. The curriculum is research-led, with specialist modules taught by leading figures in their fields, and with a consistent focus on the fostering of intellectual curiosity and the development of independent thinking. This uniquely flexible course allows you to follow your own philosophical interests and provides a sound platform for those wishing to proceed to more advanced research work in philosophy. The MA Philosophy is open to those with a first degree in philosophy wishing to progress to more advanced levels of study and also to those without undergraduate training in philosophy. If you did not study philosophy as an undergraduate, you take a special route through the course. MRes Philosophy Our MRes offers research-based training in philosophy at post-Master's level and serves as a foundation for starting an individual PhD project. This course gives you the opportunity to interact with renowned philosophers covering broad areas of the discipline and to undertake your own research in an internationally excellent, research-intensive team. This MRes is ideal for self-motivated, committed students who already have a good philosophy qualification and wish to progress to pure research in some area of the subject. The course will give you a firm philosophical grounding and mastery of complex, specialised areas of philosophical study, enabling you to engage critically and reflectively with current philosophical debates. You will also be equipped with the essential research skills you need to proceed to PhD research. You will complete a substantial supervised research project in a shorter time than that required for a PhD. Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy Our Postgraduate Diploma is ideal if you want to develop your philosophical interests without undertaking a full Master's course. On this course, you will take all of the same taught elements as you would for our MA Philosophy, but you are not required to undertake an independent research project (dissertation). You can decide to progress to the MA Philosophy at any point during the Postgraduate Diploma. Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy Our Postgraduate Certificate is ideal if you want to develop a grounding in philosophy, but are not yet ready to commit to an MA. It is very well suited to people with busy schedules. You will have the option of transferring onto the MA Philosophy, if you choose to do so, before the end of the year. This course offers both an evening and daytime timetable, so you can balance it with other commitments.

School of Historical Studies