MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MA Philosophy
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MA Philosophy program at the University of Manchester is designed for students who wish to delve deeply into philosophical thinking and debate while developing advanced skills in critical analysis, reasoning, and communication. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of both traditional and contemporary philosophical issues, equipping students with the tools to engage with a wide range of intellectual challenges. The curriculum covers areas such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and political philosophy, with opportunities to tailor the program to students' specific interests. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in academia, public policy, law, business, and beyond, where critical thinking and analytical skills are highly valued.
Curriculum: The MA Philosophy curriculum at the University of Manchester offers a well-rounded foundation in philosophical inquiry, combining both theoretical and practical approaches. Core modules typically include topics in ethics, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, and logic, with elective options allowing students to specialize in areas such as ancient philosophy, continental philosophy, philosophy of science, or philosophy of language. The program includes a substantial amount of reading and independent study, encouraging students to engage deeply with primary texts and contemporary debates. Students also have the opportunity to work on a dissertation, allowing them to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on fostering a sophisticated understanding of philosophical concepts, encouraging students to develop their own philosophical perspectives while critically engaging with those of others.
Research Focus: The MA Philosophy program at the University of Manchester is underpinned by cutting-edge research that informs the curriculum and provides students with the opportunity to contribute to ongoing philosophical debates. The university’s philosophy department has a strong research profile, particularly in the areas of political philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and logic. Students benefit from the opportunity to work alongside leading philosophers, many of whom are involved in pioneering research in these fields. The program encourages students to engage with both historical and contemporary philosophical issues, fostering a robust academic environment where new ideas and perspectives are actively explored. Students are also encouraged to produce original research in their own areas of interest, contributing to the broader philosophical community.
Industry Engagement: While philosophy is often seen as a discipline primarily focused on academia, the MA Philosophy program at the University of Manchester is designed to ensure that graduates are equipped with transferable skills that are highly valued in the broader job market. The program emphasizes critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to analyze complex issues – skills that are highly sought after in a wide range of professions. The university also offers opportunities for students to engage with industry through internships, placements, and collaborations with external organizations. Philosophy graduates from Manchester have gone on to work in areas such as law, public policy, journalism, publishing, and business, where they apply their analytical skills to solve problems and contribute to decision-making processes. The university’s career support services help students explore these diverse career paths and gain the experience they need to succeed.
Global Perspective: The MA Philosophy program at the University of Manchester embraces a global perspective, offering students the opportunity to engage with philosophical traditions from a variety of cultural and intellectual backgrounds. The program includes diverse philosophical traditions, with modules that cover everything from Western philosophy to Eastern philosophies such as Chinese, Indian, and Islamic philosophy. The department also has strong international connections, with opportunities for students to participate in global research initiatives, conferences, and exchange programs. By studying alongside an international cohort, students are exposed to a wide range of philosophical viewpoints, which broadens their understanding of global philosophical traditions and enhances their ability to engage with a diverse set of ideas and practices.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 27000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduating with an MA Philosophy from the University of Manchester opens up a wide variety of career opportunities in both academic and non-academic fields. Philosophy graduates are highly regarded for their analytical and critical thinking skills, which are valued across numerous sectors.
Academic Career (Philosophy Lecturer/Professor): Many graduates of the MA Philosophy program pursue further studies, such as a PhD, to eventually become university professors or researchers in philosophy. These roles involve teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, conducting original research, and contributing to academic discourse.
Public Policy Analyst: Philosophy graduates often work in policy analysis, where their ability to think critically and evaluate complex ethical and social issues is highly valued. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs, helping to shape policies on issues like healthcare, social justice, and environmental ethics.
Legal Profession (Lawyer/Paralegal): Many philosophy graduates go on to pursue careers in law due to the overlap between philosophical reasoning and legal analysis. Philosophical training in logic, ethics, and argumentation provides a strong foundation for legal careers, and many graduates choose to further their studies by attending law school.
Journalism and Media: The critical thinking and communication skills honed during the MA Philosophy program are highly transferable to journalism, where graduates can work as reporters, editors, or columnists, writing about topics such as ethics, politics, science, or culture. Philosophy graduates can also pursue roles in broadcasting or media analysis.
Ethics Consultant: As organizations become increasingly concerned with ethical decision-making, philosophy graduates can work as ethics consultants for corporations, healthcare institutions, or tech companies. In this role, they advise on matters such as corporate social responsibility, bioethics, data privacy, and sustainability.
Management and Business Consulting: Philosophy graduates possess the skills needed to tackle complex problems and communicate clear solutions. These skills are valuable in management and consulting roles, where critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving are essential. Graduates can work for consulting firms or within companies, helping to improve efficiency, governance, and overall decision-making.
Publishing and Editing: Graduates with a background in philosophy can pursue careers in publishing or editing, working with academic or trade publishers to edit and produce books, journals, or other written materials. Their skills in reading critically, analyzing texts, and writing clearly make them valuable in this field.
Non-Profit Sector/Advocacy: The MA Philosophy program provides a solid foundation for those interested in working with non-profit organizations, particularly those focused on human rights, social justice, or environmental advocacy. Philosophy graduates bring a thoughtful and analytical approach to addressing global issues and advocating for change.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Graduates can apply their ethical reasoning skills in corporate environments, working in CSR departments to ensure companies operate ethically and contribute positively to society. This could involve managing corporate sustainability initiatives, developing ethical business strategies, or overseeing community engagement efforts.
Human Resources (HR) Specialist: Philosophy graduates with a passion for people management and organizational behavior may choose to work in human resources, where they can apply their communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development.
Research Analyst: Many graduates of the MA Philosophy program enter the research field, working as analysts or researchers in a wide range of industries. Their ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data, as well as their skills in presenting complex findings, makes them well-suited for roles in market research, economic research, or social research.
