
The UK’s first dedicated postgraduate practical philosophy degree covering law, morality, animal experimentation and ideas of gender, class and race.
Start Date:
September 2022
Duration:
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)
Degree Type:
MA/PGDip/PGCert
Number of credits:
MA 180
PGDip 120
PGCert 60
School:
The University is currently reviewing this programme as part of a consultation with staff and there is a possibility that it may close for new students enrolling from September 2022. This would mean that you would not be able to enrol on the programme. If the programme remains open for enrolment in September 2022, there is a possibility that there will be changes to its curriculum and or delivery. The University expects to have completed the consultation and its review by the end of July 2022. If the University decides to close the programme or make any major changes, this decision will be communicated promptly via email to any applicants and offer holders, along with information about options for alternative programmes of study. If you would like more information please contact communications@roehampton.ac.uk.
Why this course
The UK's first master's course to explore, understand and address some of the most important challenges faced by humanity from a philosophical standpoint.
Gain sophisticated analytical and reasoning skills essential for further study or research, and transferable into a range of career settings.
View economic injustice, climate change, oppression, crime and punishment, liberty, privacy, security and more through a philosophical lens.
Course and Module Details
Overview:
Our MA Practical Philosophy will allow you to use philosophical ideas to engage with urgent social and political problems. Drawing on political philosophy, ethics, social philosophy, and the philosophy of law, this programme is driven by our belief that philosophy is at its best when it learns from and intervenes in the world around us.
You will explore philosophical debates on topics such as the relationship between law and morality, the ethics of animal experimentation, the operation of ideology, and the nature of class, gender, and race. Our core modules have student-led syllabi, with readings selected by each class to reflect their own interests, so that you can concentrate on the topics that really matter to you.
Whether you already have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and want to specialise in practical philosophy, or you come from a different background, this MA programme will provide you with the skills needed to conduct independent research, think logically and creatively, and construct and analyse arguments, as well as honing your writing abilities.
You will graduate with a solid foundation in practical philosophy, ready to pursue further study or confidently apply your critical and analytical reasoning skills in your chosen career – for example, writing sophisticated policy reports or undertaking research on social and political problems.
You will be taught through a combination of seminars and lecturers, and will benefit from individual research supervision. You will take six modules over the course of the degree, culminating in either a dissertation or an independent project.
Course Content
Our students take three core modules, which will introduce you to the key concepts and methods in the field of practical philosophy, as well as focusing on particular themes in political and legal philosophy and ethical and social philosophy. Some of the topics you might cover include debates on whether animals are owed duties of justice, the justification of compulsory medical treatment, which ethical standards should govern artificial intelligence, and under what conditions we are morally responsible for our actions.
You will also be able to choose from optional modules in specific areas of practical philosophy, and will undertake a dissertation or independent research project with support and guidance from your supervisor. This could be a traditional philosophical essay, an extended policy analysis, or another philosophical project that puts your research skills to use in creative ways.
Modules
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Career Options
Philosophy graduates go on to have careers in a wide variety of fields, including law, journalism, the Civil Service, academia, politics, technology, education, and publishing.
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can apply now for any programme starting in April or September 2022.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs below
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
Postgraduate application process FAQs
How do I apply?
To apply, you need to complete our online application form.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No, you can save and revisit your application form and can contact us directly at any time if you need advice or assistance.
What are the entry criteria and fees?
We have general entry requirements for postgraduate courses. Many of our courses also have specific entry requirements. You can find details of these, and the fees for individual courses, on our postgraduate course pages.
What is the deadline for postgraduate applications?
If you are a prospective postgraduate student who has home fee status, then you can apply close to the start of the course of study. However, if you have international fee status and require a Tier 4 Visa, then you will normally need to apply much earlier. Please see our application deadlines for postgraduate study.
We encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as some programmes have limited numbers.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for postgraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our postgraduate home and postgraduate international financial support pages. There are also other sources of external funding for international students available.
Do you offer student accommodation for postgraduates?
Yes, we have a wide range of high quality and competitively priced on-campus student residences. We are able to offer quiet rooms and can adjust for those with specific access needs.
Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Need help before you apply?
Who Teaches Practical Philosophy?
Our Research
To read about the research carried out by Roehampton's philosophy academics, please visit the School of Humanities and Social Sciences' research pages.
