MA Philosophy

Program Overview

The MA in Philosophy at the University of Leeds offers students the chance to explore both historical and contemporary philosophical issues in-depth. Students will be exposed to a wide range of philosophical topics, including ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of language, political philosophy, philosophy of science, and philosophy of mind. The program is designed to help students develop a thorough understanding of the key philosophical traditions, while also encouraging independent thought and the application of philosophy to real-world issues. Whether students are looking to continue their studies at a doctoral level or pursue careers in fields such as law, education, publishing, or public policy, this program provides the critical skills needed to succeed.

Curriculum: The MA in Philosophy at Leeds offers a flexible curriculum with both core modules and a wide range of optional courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their own interests. Core modules typically include Philosophical Methods, Ethics and Political Philosophy, and The History of Philosophy, which provide a solid foundation in the key areas of philosophy and the tools needed for philosophical inquiry. Optional modules offer students the chance to specialize in particular areas of philosophy, such as Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Science, Philosophical Problems in Ethics, Philosophy of Language, and Social and Political Philosophy. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students undertake independent research on a philosophical topic of their choice. This allows students to apply the critical thinking, research, and writing skills they have developed throughout the program.

Research Focus: The MA in Philosophy at Leeds is supported by the university’s strong research culture in philosophy. Faculty members at Leeds specialize in a variety of philosophical traditions, including analytic philosophy, continental philosophy, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and philosophy of science. Research at Leeds is interdisciplinary, with connections to other fields such as cognitive science, linguistics, politics, and economics. The program encourages students to engage with contemporary philosophical debates and to develop their own research interests. Students are given access to the university’s extensive library resources and research centers, which support ongoing scholarly work in a variety of philosophical areas. The emphasis on research allows students to develop their academic skills and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of philosophy.

Industry Engagement: While the MA in Philosophy at Leeds is primarily an academic program, it also offers opportunities for industry engagement, particularly for students interested in applying their philosophical training in non-academic settings. The skills developed in the program—such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—are highly valued in a wide range of industries, including law, business, public policy, education, publishing, and media. Leeds’ strong links with various industries and professional networks provide students with opportunities for internships, work placements, and career support. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage with public debates, participate in conferences, and attend guest lectures by industry professionals, providing them with insight into how philosophy is applied in the real world.

Global Perspective: The MA in Philosophy at Leeds is designed with a global perspective, encouraging students to engage with philosophical traditions from around the world. The program covers a diverse range of philosophical topics, from Western philosophy to non-Western traditions such as Eastern philosophy and African philosophy. The diverse student body at Leeds provides an international context in which students can explore different philosophical perspectives and exchange ideas with peers from various cultural backgrounds. The university’s research centers also have a global reach, with faculty collaborating on international research projects and participating in global philosophical networks. This global outlook ensures that students not only gain a deep understanding of Western philosophical traditions but also engage with philosophy as a truly international and cross-cultural discipline.