Philosophy MRes

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The MRes degree is a research programme with some provision for taught modules. It is aimed at those who wish to move beyond undergraduate work and to engage in research in depth for a postgraduate thesis, but who also wish to take modules that help develop research and related skills. You take a Philosophical Research module and then choose two modules from: Philosophy of Language; Philosophy of Cognitive Science; Philosophy of Mind; Metaphysics; Epistemology; God, Freedom, and the Meaning of Life; Philosophy of Health and Happiness; and the Value of Life.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Combined research and taught

Study Options: Full time, part time

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Start date: September 2013

Details

The MRes is a self-standing research programme; however many students treat it as preparatory for the PhD.

The first module you will study, Philosophical Research, investigates key questions concerning philosophical methods and thereby helps you to plan and manage the preparation of your thesis. It also facilitates the sharpening of key bibliographic, critical, interpretive, and presentational skills.

You then choose two further modules from the following options before completing a 20,000 word thesis:

  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Cognitive Science
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Value of Life
  • Metaphysics
  • Epistemology
  • God, Freedom, and the Meaning of Life
  • Philosophy of Health and Happiness

Fees and funding

We charge an annual fee. Fees for 2013/14 are currently as follows:

  • Home / EU: full-time - £3,900; part-time - £1,950
  • Overseas: full-time - £12,140

Learn more about fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

 

Entry requirements

Candidates are normally required to have at least an upper second-class Honours degree in Philosophy (or a Joint Honours degree of which Philosophy is a component).

Learn more about entry requirements

International students

Academic requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Learning and teaching

You will be taught by a vibrant community of philosophers, pursuing original research on a wide range of topics on which expert supervision is available. Topics include: ethics, metaethics and global ethics; epistemology and metaphysics; philosophy of mind and cognitive science; philosophy of language; philosophy of religion; and the philosophy of health and happiness.

You will also be assigned a supervisor, an academic advisor and a mentor to support you in your studies, and will be strongly encouraged to participate in the weekly Postgraduate Seminar and the regular meetings of PhilSoc and the Staff Seminar.

As a postgraduate on this MRes programme, you’ll become part of – and contribute to – the vibrant international community of the College of Arts and Law Graduate School, which offers dedicated research resources and a supportive working environment. Our team of academic and operational staff are on hand to offer support and advice to all postgraduate students within the College.

Employability

The University of Birmingham has been ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for employment and this will be further enhanced by the employability skills training offered through the College of Arts and Law Graduate School.

Our Philosophy graduates develop a range of skills including, good articulation, precise analytical thought, and the ability to analyse and construct sounds arguments, which can be used in a variety of occupations. A snapshot of graduate destinations over a five-year period has identified a variety of career paths, from the civil service to finance. Historically, over 95 per cent of our Philosophy students have been in employment or further study within six months of graduating.