Philosophy
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Philosophy or a relevant subject. This can be a single or joint honours degree containing Philosophy.
If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you can still apply. We consider every application on its merits, and we’ll consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
We may also require you to submit a writing sample. This should be around 3-4 pages long. Although it does not need to be a Philosophy essay, you should demonstrate your ability to present an argument and write in an analytical style. These skills are necessary for postgraduate level Philosophy.
If you have been out of academia for some time, we will accept a professional reference and one academic reference, rather than the standard requirement for two academic references.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Do we have free will? Is time travel possible? Can we justify religious belief? Study fundamental questions about the world and our existence in it with our MA Philosophy course.
Explore the area of philosophy that most interests you. With expert supervision from a vibrant community of philosophers, you’ll develop skills in critical thinking, communication and research to enhance your future.
At Birmingham, the focus is on philosophy with real-world relevance. Build your own Philosophy degree with our wide range of optional modules covering topics from global ethics to philosophy and mental health. Learn from a team of philosophy experts known for their research excellence.
- Become part of a Department of leading philosophy academics with the highest ranked research in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education)
- Build your own degree and focus on your interests, with a wide range of optional modules ranging from bioethics to philosophy and mental health.
- Join a welcoming community and take part in research seminars, workshops and conferences.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Philosophy.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service