Philosophy (by research) MA
About this course
Immerse yourself in an advanced intellectual journey with Nottingham Trent University's MA Philosophy by research. Delve deeper into the ultimate questions of human life as you expand your global perspective and challenge preconceived notions. Our distinguished faculty, experienced in teaching students from all over Asia, Europe, and beyond, will expertly guide you in honing your research skills and equipping you for real-world professional challenges at a postgraduate level. We wholeheartedly welcome both British and international students to join our multicultural academic community as we explore the complexities of philosophical thought together and contribute to the growing global conversation.
The course is available both full time over 1 year, or part time over 2 years.
What you’ll study
There is great flexibility in the way you can customize your own research, as well as your final award. You will work on a primary research topic under the supervision of an expert member of staff. Our program boasts a wide range of expertise spanning from continental to analytical philosophy. With a special emphasis on real-world applications, you'll be well-equipped to examine the most pressing questions in today's society.
What topics you choose will be entirely up to you, and we are willing to consider supervision of any philosophical topic. However, we would especially welcome research proposals on the following topic areas:
- Philosophy of Mind
- Philosophy of AI
- The Philosophy of Time and Contemporary Metaphysics
- Existentialism and Phenomenology
- Michel Foucault
- French Post-Structuralism and the Postmodern Moment
- Contemporary Feminism
- Contemporary Epistemology and Epistemic Justice
- Philosophy of Globalisation
- Philosophy of Language
- World Philosophy
- Post and decoloniality
- Meta-ethics
- Moral Status
- The History of Philosophy
- Philosophy of Science
- The Philosophy of Film and Media
Our course offers you an exceptional opportunity to enhance both your employability and research prospects. By engaging in original, in-depth research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members, you will develop critical skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and powers of effective communication. These skills are highly valued by employers across various industries, ensuring that you acquire a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, the MA (by research) serves as an excellent foundation for those considering pursuing a Ph.D. or a career in academia, as it provides the necessary experience and credentials to excel in advanced research environments.
So take the first step towards an exhilarating and rewarding educational experience by joining our MA Philosophy (by research) in program. Shape your own path, uncover new insights, and become a leading voice in the philosophical world, all while building a solid foundation for your future endeavours. Seize the opportunity and let your passion for philosophy flourish, as you distinguish yourself as a future intellectual and skilled professional.
If you require more information on applying and the structure of the course, please do get in touch and we will be happy to speak with you.
Philosophical Approaches to the Humanities
This module is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and training necessary for advanced research in the humanities, while enhancing your employability prospects. Whether you aspire to pursue a PhD or enter the job market, this course will help you transition from undergraduate to postgraduate level, fostering creative and imaginative engagement with your subject matter. Learn best practices in research, encompassing vital aspects such as theory, methodology, rigor, and context. Our experienced faculty will mentor you in crafting literature reviews, formulating research questions, and developing impactful projects.
Research Dissertation
This study module is tailored to foster your intellectual curiosity and empower you to explore the fascinating world of philosophy. Under the close guidance of an expert supervisor, you will delve into a philosophical topic of your own choice, ensuring you receive the support and direction necessary to thrive in your chosen area of study. This module offers you the invaluable opportunity to present your work at a postgraduate conference, enabling you to engage in critical reflection and further develop your research skills. Additionally, you will have the chance to attend writing retreats, enhancing your research and writing abilities in a focused and supportive environment. Your journey will be enriched by the freedom to explore a wide range of philosophical topics, such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, political philosophy, and more.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
Assessment
Various formative and summative assessment methods are employed, ranging from essays and presentations to portfolios based on group projects, student-led conferences and of course the dissertation itself.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Further information
Expert teaching staff
Dr Benjamin Curtis
Dr Benjamin L. Curtis is specializing in ethics, metaphysics, the philosophy of mind, formal logic, and artificial intelligence. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Nottingham and currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Nottingham Trent University. With a strong publication record, Dr Curtis has contributed to numerous academic journals, books, and conferences, as well as popular media outlets such as The Conversation and the Independent. His interdisciplinary approach to philosophy and practical applications has allowed him to shape the future of philosophical education and engage with wider audiences on thought-provoking topics.
Dr Curtis’s academic publications
Dr Ruth Griffin
Ruth is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and is currently the course leader for the Joint Honours Humanities suite of undergraduate programs. She studied for her first degree at University of York and gained her MA and PhD (2005) from Nottingham Trent, where she has been teaching since 1999. She has also taught adult learners at University of Nottingham and Broadway Cinema. She is particularly interested in teaching and researching inter-disciplinary approaches to philosophy, culture and everyday life, most notably philosophy of film/media, Feminism and Existentialism.
Careers and employability
This course is designed to not only enable you to enhance the base of your knowledge but to directly enhance your employability. Studying philosophy will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills prized by employers. Studying philosophy encourages intellectual innovation, imagination and enterprise, and helps to cultivate the crucial philosophical skills for implementing research exercises: flexibility, project management, adaptability, independence, autonomous learning, creative and critical reasoning, and problem-solving.
It provides excellent preparation for undertaking a PhD, and gives you the freedom and support to shape your own work in the field of Philosophy.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From helping to shape international policy, to preserving our heritage, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
Find out more: ntu.ac.uk/research
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject or equivalent.
- You will also need to write a 300-word outline of your proposed research area.
- Please email us before applying if you need any advice.
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need the equivalent to:
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject or equivalent.
- You will also need to write a 300-word outline of your proposed research area.
- Please email us before applying if you need any advice.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Course fees for 2025 entry:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition | Part-time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Philosophy (by research) | £8,750 | £4,375 |
* Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Scholarships are available for students who have been offered a place on this course for September 2024
Home (UK) students funding
- Dr Pauline Polkey Postgraduate Bursary - apply
- UK Postgraduate Masters Scholarship - apply
- The Research Pathway Scholarship – School of Arts and Humanities - apply
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Course fees for 2025 entry:
Course | Full-time International and EU tuition | Part-time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Philosophy (by research) | £17,850 | £8,925 |
* Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
