Philosophy (+MA)

The Philosophy Master's degree at the University of Dundee offers an in-depth exploration of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, ethics, logic, and the nature of reality. Designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of philosophical ideas and develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and argumentative rigor, the program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers both historical and contemporary philosophical debates. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, moral philosophy, political philosophy, and philosophy of mind, among others. The programme emphasizes independent research and encourages students to develop their own philosophical perspectives, supported by rigorous coursework and supervision from experienced faculty members. The Master's degree is suitable for those aiming to pursue doctoral studies or careers that require high-level analytical and problem-solving skills. Leveraging Dundee’s strong emphasis on research-led teaching, students benefit from personalized academic support and opportunities for engaging with cutting-edge philosophical research. The course structure combines taught modules, seminars, and a significant research component culminating in a dissertation. Graduates from the programme are well-equipped to analyse complex philosophical issues, communicate ideas effectively, and contribute meaningfully to academic or professional fields that value critical reasoning. The programme’s flexible approach allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, integrating courses on logic, philosophy of science, ethics, or other specialized areas. By participating in this programme, students join a vibrant academic community and develop the intellectual tools necessary for understanding and evaluating the profound questions that shape human thought and society.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 2060 Year (EEA)
• EUR 10420 Year (Non-EEA)

Tuition fees are approximate and dependent upon curredncy exchange rates.

• English

Course Content

Level 1

A total of 6 modules, including at least one of:

- Plato and the Good Life - This module introduces philosophy through the works of Plato.

- Descartes, Thought and Reality - Focusing on the key themes of thought and reality, this course will introduce students to some of the most important thinkers informing debates in contemporary philosophy.

Level 2

A total of 6 modules, including at least one of:

- Hume and Recent European Philosophy, Problems of the Self - In this unit, we investigate Hume's views on the mind, meaning, the sources and justification of knowledge, causation, free will, the self, God, and morality.

- Aesthetics and Kant

Level 3

A total of 4 modules (2 modules for joint Honours)

A selection of the following modules will be available in any one year:

- Aesthetics of the Sublime

- Foucault, Power and Violence

- Gender, Feminism and Political Theory

- Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

- Knowledge and Mind

- Logic and Paradox

- Philosophies of History

- Philosophy and Antigone

- Question of Vision in Art and Philosophy

- Spinoza and Free Will

Level 4

A total of 4 modules (2 modules for joint Honours)

A selection of the following modules will be available in any one year:

- Dissertation (compulsory for single Honours students)

- Deleuze

- Marx's Capital

- Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil

- Philosophy of Peace and War

- Philosophy of Time

- Thinking Film

- Understanding, Dialogue and Interpretation

- Wittgenstein

Requirements

- Minimum Requirements:

SQA Higher: ABBB

GCE A-Level: BCC

ILC Higher: ABBB

IB Diploma: 30 points with 5, 5, 5 at HL

- Advanced Entry (to level 2):

SQA Advanced Higher: BB+BB (H) in different subjects

GCE A-Level: ABB

IB Diploma: 34 points with 6, 6, 5 at HL

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Dundee.

The University of Dundee offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Philosophy, providing students with a comprehensive and flexible postgraduate education in philosophical studies. The programme is designed to deepen students' understanding of core areas of philosophy, including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy. Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of philosophical issues, both contemporary and historical, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and intellectual independence.

The MA in Philosophy at Dundee encourages independent research and the development of original ideas, often involving detailed engagement with primary texts and contemporary philosophical debates. The programme offers a range of modules that students can select according to their interests, from normative ethics to philosophy of mind, and from the history of philosophy to logic. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies and develop expertise in specific areas of philosophy.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from the department’s active research community, participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences that promote engagement with cutting-edge philosophical research. They also have opportunities for teaching and presenting their work, which prepares them for careers in academia, education, or related fields.

The university emphasizes a collaborative and supportive learning environment, with small class sizes that facilitate close interactions with faculty members renowned for their research in various philosophical disciplines. The MA in Philosophy at Dundee typically includes a dissertation or research project, which allows students to pursue an in-depth study of a topic of their choice under the supervision of a faculty member.

Graduates of the programme develop skills highly valued in a range of careers, such as critical thinking, argument analysis, and ethical reasoning. Many go on to pursue doctoral studies, enter teaching, or work in sectors such as law, journalism, public policy, and business. The programme’s emphasis on a broad and rigorous philosophical education equips students with versatile skills applicable across many professions.

Furthermore, the university’s location in Dundee offers students access to a vibrant cultural and intellectual community, with opportunities for engagement beyond their academic studies. The programme is suitable for students aiming to advance their knowledge of philosophy or to prepare for research careers, as well as for those seeking to enhance their analytical and interpretative abilities in a variety of professional contexts.