Global Philosophy

This degree provides a rich and advanced engagement with philosophy which exposes students to a wide variety of global, rather than narrowly Western, intellectual traditions and themes than would be possible in other philosophy postgraduate degree programmes.

The MA Global Philosophy has a strongly applied element, designed to demonstrate the significance of philosophy for pressing contemporary concerns (such as the climate crisis, animal/human relations; gender debates; race relations; intercultural understanding; racial capitalism; public rationality and democracy).

The department has a very successful undergraduate degree in World Philosophies and the MA Global Philosophy is a natural development from the distinctive approach of Philosophy at SOAS which involves significantly expanding provision to engage with philosophical ideas and traditions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East whilst also providing training in Anglo-European philosophy. The degree will thus enable students to encounter contemporary European philosophy alongside other traditions in a global perspective without privileging that tradition above others.

Why study MA Global Philosophy at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 13th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2022)
• SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• SOAS is home to the world’s the first ever co-created decolonising philosophy curriculum toolkit and handbook
• Our department has been ranked 3rd for research outputs and 7th place overall in the Theology and Religious Studies research rankings (Research Excellence Framework REF 2021)
• Theology and Religious Studies scored above sector in the following categories: research culture, community, progression, research skills, and professional development (2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey)