Philosophy

About

The Taught MA in Philosophy provides the opportunity for in-depth engagement with areas of philosophy in which the Durham department has internationally recognised expertise. In the process, students develop critical abilities and independent research skills that prepare them for further postgraduate study in Philosophy and for a wide range of careers where such skills are highly prized.

Students choose three optional ‘topic’ modules from a list of approximately twelve. They are also required to take a ‘philosophical research methods’ module and to complete a double-module dissertation. Topic modules are taught via seven two-hour seminars and two one-to-one tutorials. Seminars incorporate staff-led discussion of topics, student presentations and small group discussions, in the context of a friendly, supportive environment. Seminars serve to (i) familiarise students with topics, positions and debates, (ii) help them to navigate the relevant literature, (iii) refine their oral and written presentation skills and (iv) further develop their ability to independently formulate, criticise and defend philosophical positions. Students are expected to do approximately four hours of reading for each seminar. Having completed the seminar-based part of the module, they decide upon an essay topic, having received guidance from the module leader. At this point, they begin a more focused programme of reading and independent study, and also benefit from two one-to-one supervisions with an expert in the relevant field. These supervisions provide more focused teaching, tailored to a student’s chosen essay topic. Supervisions further enable students to develop and refine their own philosophical positions, convey them clearly and support them with well constructed arguments.

The core modules of the programme are the ‘Philosophical Research Methods’ module and the double-module Dissertation. The former consists of ten seminars of 2 hours duration. Seven of these introduce students to different philosophical methodologies and to contrasting conceptions of what philosophy is. Critical refection upon the nature of philosophy, cultured through seminar discussions and subsequent reading, equips them with the ‘meta-philosophical’ skills required to write a ‘Philosophical Methods’ essay. The other three seminars include training in library use, referencing, writing abstracts, structuring an MA-level essay and other research-related matters. They also include focused advice and discussion concerning dissertation proposals, which students are required to submit as part of this module.

Having completed the three topic modules and the research methods module, students start work on their dissertations. They are offered six one-to-one tutorials of up to an hour each, with a supervisor who will be an expert in their chosen field. There is also a ‘dissertation mini-conference’ in August, where students present work from their dissertation and receive feedback from members of staff and from their peers. The supervisions and the conference both help them to further refine skills acquired during the academic year (such as presenting and defending an argument in a clear, structured fashion) and to complete a substantial piece of high quality independent research. Through the conference, they also engage with the work of other students in ways that are mutually informative.

In addition to this core teaching, students benefit from a range of activities, including an MA Master-class, a student-led ‘work-in-progress group’ and regular meetings of EIDOS, the department’s postgraduate philosophy society. They are welcomed as full participants in the department’s research culture, and are thus strongly encouraged to attend a range of other events, including weekly Research Seminars, and occasional Royal Institute of Philosophy Lectures, conferences, workshops and reading groups. The programme director remains in regular contact with the students throughout the year and is always available to discuss any issues that might arise (personal or academic).

Content

This one-year programme (two years part-time) provides an ideal academic environment for those who would like to study the subject at a higher level in preparation for a PhD or as a basis for future employment. Significant numbers of former students go on to further study. The programme includes research training and allows you to write a substantial dissertation on a topic you wish to pursue at PhD level. Our staff members have expertise in a very wide range of areas, so there is considerable flexibility over choice of dissertation topic. Modules are taught via group seminars and one-to-one tutorials. There is also a weekly student-led work-in-progress seminar, which all MA students attend.

Course Structure

Candidates shall study and be assessed in the following modules:
List A:

• Dissertation
• Philosophical Research Methods

Candidates shall also study and be assessed in modules to the value of 90 credits from Lists B, C and D. The module titles below are those offered in previous academic years. Not all the modules will necessarily be available every year.
List B:

• Ancient Philosophers on Necessity, Fate and Free Will
• Forms After Plato
• Mind and Action
• Philosophical Issues in Science and Medicine
• Phenomenology and the Sciences of Mind
• Current Issues in Aesthetics and Theory of Art
• Current Issues in Metaphysics
• Current Issues in Ethics
• Philosophy and Religion
• Gender Theory and Feminist Philosophy
• Science and the Enlightenment
• Ethics, Medicine and History
• Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Ethics of Cultural Heritage
• Environmental Philosophy 

List C:

• Business Ethics 1: Ethical Leadership 
• Business Ethics 2: Society and Sustainability

List D:

• Moral and Corporate Trust: Trust and Accountability 
• Moral and Corporate Trust: Trust and Business Ethics

Subject requirements, level and grade

• A typical 2:1 classification or higher at undergraduate level or equivalent qualification with a substantial philosophy component.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The Philosophy undergraduate program at Durham University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile; for UK and EU students, the current annual tuition fee is set at £9,250, while international students pay significantly higher fees, typically around £22,000 per year. Durham University provides a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid schemes to help reduce the financial burden. The university’s scholarship program includes merit-based awards for high-achieving students, which can cover part or all of tuition fees. Additionally, need-based bursaries are available for eligible students demonstrating financial hardship.

Students are encouraged to explore government-funded student loan options, such as loans provided through the UK Student Loans Company, which can cover tuition fees and living costs. For students from outside the UK, many countries offer government-sponsored loans or grants, and Durham University’s international admissions office provides guidance on accessing these funding sources. Part-time work opportunities on and around campus are available for students wishing to supplement their income during term-time, with university job vacancies frequently posted online.

Durham University also participates in external scholarship schemes, including government-sponsored programs, charitable organizations, and private foundations, which students can apply for during their application process. The university’s dedicated financial aid team offers personalized advice to students concerning the application process, eligibility criteria, and documentation required. Moreover, students are advised to investigate their own country’s financial aid programs and university partnerships that may offer additional funding sources.

Living costs in Durham are relatively modest compared to larger cities, but students should budget for accommodation, food, transport, study materials, and personal expenses. Accommodation costs vary depending on the type and location but typically range from £4,000 to £8,000 annually. The university offers both on-campus and off-campus housing options, with financial assistance available for eligible students.

In summary, participants in the Philosophy degree program at Durham University have access to a comprehensive suite of financing options, including government loans, university scholarships, bursaries, external funding sources, and part-time employment. Early planning and application are recommended to maximize available financial support and ensure a smooth academic journey.

The Philosophy undergraduate program at Durham University offers a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The curriculum is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of historical and contemporary philosophical debates. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophical logic, and the history of philosophy from ancient to modern times. The program combines close reading of original texts with the examination of complex philosophical issues, fostering debate, argumentation, and independent thinking.

Durham’s Philosophy degree includes both core modules that lay the foundation of philosophical inquiry and optional modules allowing students to specialize in areas such as moral philosophy, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, or aesthetics. The department emphasizes a rigorous and engaged learning environment, supported by experienced academics who are active researchers contributing to the advancement of philosophical knowledge. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, which provide exposure to cutting-edge research and facilitate interaction with leading philosophers.

The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, enabling students to explore connections between philosophy and other fields such as science, politics, and religion. Critical writing and presentation skills are actively developed throughout the course, preparing students for careers in academia, education, public policy, journalism, or other sectors that value analytical and reasoned argumentation.

Durham University’s Philosophy program benefits from its historic setting and strong academic links, providing students with access to valuable resources, libraries, and a vibrant intellectual community. The course typically extends over three or four years, with options for placement year or study abroad, depending on the specific degree pathway. The university’s focus on research-led teaching ensures that students are engaged with the latest philosophical developments, making the Durham Philosophy degree a robust foundation for future academic or professional pursuits.