MA Philosophy (by research)
Explore your research interests in philosophy and develop key skills, guided by our expert staff.
| Length | Start dates (semester dates) | |
|---|---|---|
| MA (by research) |
1 year full-time |
January |
Carry out an extended investigation on debates in philosophy. Develop your research under the guidance of expert academics.
Your research
You'll apply conceptual frameworks and creative thinking to address issues affecting our lives. We'll provide training in research methods and other transferable skills. You'll carry out supervised study leading to the presentation of a dissertation of between 20,000 and 30,000 words.
Your dissertation will be a sustained piece of critical writing on a topic of your choosing. It will allow you to apply the core knowledge, skills and experience you gained.
Related links
At York, we have research strengths in:
- Aesthetics, art and literature
- History of philosophy (with particular interests in early modern philosophy and German idealism)
- Metaphysics (including philosophy of mathematics and philosophy of time)
- Phenomenology and continental philosophy
- Philosophy of medicine and health
- Philosophy of mind and perception
- Philosophy of religion
- Political and legal philosophy
- Theoretical and applied ethics (including ethics of AI)
Interdisciplinary community
Join a vibrant postgraduate Arts and Humanities community which includes social and academic events and an inspiring research environment. You'll have opportunities to make personal connections and to think beyond your own subject area.
World Top 100
York is ranked 79th for the study of arts and humanities, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.
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Funding
Find funding for postgraduate researchers in the Department of Philosophy.
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Supervision
Explore the expertise of our staff and identify a potential supervisor.
Training and support
You'll be taught and supervised by staff who produce internationally-renowned research, and benefit from the Department's friendly, supportive community.
Throughout your degree, your supervisor will monitor your progress, and will help you to hone the focus of your research.
As you develop your thesis, you'll attend meetings with a Thesis Advisory Panel, consisting of at least one member of staff in addition to your supervisor. You'll meet twice a year (once a year for part-time students) to discuss your research project, as well as professional development and career training.
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Careers and skills
You'll graduate with transferable skills in creative problem-solving, critical analysis, writing, and the ability to craft and execute detailed research projects.
Our dedicated careers team offer specific support, including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you with your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside your research work.
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Course location
This course is run by the Department of Philosophy.
You'll be based in the Department of Philosophy on Campus West, though your research may take you further afield.
Entry requirements
For research degrees, you'll need to hold a first or high 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in philosophy, or equivalent.
Other relevant experience and expertise may also be considered:
- Evidence of training in research techniques may be an advantage.
- You should be familiar with the recent published work of your proposed supervisor.
- Publications are not required and we don't expect applicants to have been published before they start their research degrees.
Supervisors interview prospective research students to ensure a good supervisory match and to help with funding applications. Most interviews take place via Zoom.
For further details on postgraduate research admissions, contact us.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.
Applying
Identify a supervisor
You should identify a potential supervisor in the Department whose area of research overlaps with yours. We encourage you to contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply.
You should note your preferred supervisor in your application.
Your research proposal
As an applicant to postgraduate research courses, you'll be asked to submit a clear, well-structured research proposal.
Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Submit your application
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start, save, and finish it later.
We will respond to your application as soon as possible. You may track the status of your application and view any official correspondence online.
Find out more about how to apply.
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Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.