Philosophy MA

Year of entry: 2025

Course length: 12 months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-time

About the course

The Philosophy MA at Manchester provides a close knit and nurturing community. You'll be taught and supervised by members of staff who are dedicated to their research and to their teaching.

This fascinating degree allows you to explore the in-depth study of specialised areas of analytic philosophy. You'll embark on extensive research training to provide you with the skills necessary to complete a master's dissertation while being supported by experts in your chosen area of specialism.

You’ll discover a deeper knowledge of a wide variety of areas of philosophy than is possible at undergraduate level, and be equipped with the ability to plan, organise and work autonomously.

See the full course profile on our website >

Our department is in the UK's top 10 for Philosophy research, with 90% of our research ranked 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'

(Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Be part of a lively student community with societies that host debates, discussion groups and socials

Our graduates are among the most targeted by top UK employers

(High Fliers 2024)

Compulsory Units

MA Philosophy Research Skills
Dissertation (90 credits) or Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Units

Philosophical Methods
Epistemology
Ethics
Philosophy of Mind
Aesthetics
Landmark Papers in Analytic Philosophy
History of Analytic Philosophy
Philosophy of Language

These are examples of units offered and are subject to change.

See the full list of units and find out more on the full course profile >

Where will your degree take you?

Philosophy graduates have the flexibility to choose from a variety of career paths. They are especially adept at thinking critically and objectively, as well as debating opposing viewpoints. We’ll support you to develop broad, transferrable, and highly sought-after expertise, giving you key critical, analytical and research skills to enhance your career in a wide range of settings.

Many of our MA Philosophy graduates go on to pursue a PhD in Philosophy, while others embark on careers across a wide range of sectors including financial services, law and legal services, human resources, advertising, marketing and consulting, with job titles such as Lecturer, Research Grant Writer, Social Services Consultant, Case Officer and Company Director.

Samantha Meynell

MA Philosophy

"I’m very proud to say that, coming from a working-class background, I am one of the only people in my family to have gone to university. Therefore, I will say that if you have a dream career you wish to pursue, believe in yourself and you can do it!"

Jonathan Howie

Associate Solicitor

"I had always appreciated the transferable skills, which the study of Philosophy helped me to develop, and I continue to find them valuable in my career. The course gave me a number of opportunities to learn analytical skills and craft abstract arguments. Those aspects have proved invaluable in my legal career."