For further information (entry requirements, module descriptions, progression procedure etc.) please consult the MA Handbook.
For timetables and venues, please see Course Finder .
M.A. in Philosophy
These programmes relate to discourses and developments in the history in Western philosophy up to the 21st century. They thus aim at carrying out a philosophical analysis of some of the underlying cultural themes and philosophical presuppositions of Western self-understanding and contemporary society. Building upon the strengths of critical thinking, systematic reflection, and historical awareness developed at undergraduate level, the programmes allow the student to explore thematic concerns of philosophers in the Western tradition from medieval times to the 21st century. Students may choose additional modules (where suitable) after consultation with the head of department and/or the postgraduate coordinator, including modules offered by St Patrick’s College. The topic of the dissertation and the chosen modules must be approved by the head of department.
M.A. in Philosophy of Religion
Similar to the M.A. in Philosophy, this M.A. relates to discourses and developments in the history in Western philosophy up to the 21st century. It aims at carrying out a philosophical analysis of some of the underlying cultural themes and philosophical presuppositions of Western self-understanding and contemporary society in relation to the phenomenon of religion. Building upon the strengths of critical thinking, systematic reflection, and historical awareness developed at undergraduate level, the programme allows the student to explore thematic concerns of philosophers in the Western tradition from medieval times to the 21st century.
M.A. in Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Thought (joint degree between the Departments of Ancient Classics and Philosophy)
This interdisciplinary programme joins the expertise of the Departments of Ancient Classics and Philosophy. It offers students the opportunity to explore Western intellectual history from the classical period to the Renaissance from a variety of angles: philosophical, literary, and cultural. It should appeal both to those who want an overview of the foundations of modern European thought, and to those with more specialized interests in Classics, medieval and Renaissance studies, philosophy, or the history of ideas. Building upon the strengths of critical thinking, systematic reflection, and historical awareness developed at undergraduate level, the programme allows the student to explore thematic concerns of writers in the Western tradition from ancient Greece and Rome to the sixteenth century.
Programme Co-ordinators:
Dr William Desmond (Department of Ancient Classics)
Dr Susan Gottlöber (Department of Philosophy)
M.A. in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics)
This M.A. brings together at a postgraduate level some of the most important approaches in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in order to obtain the necessary abilities and understanding to deal with the challenges of globalisation and a globalised economy, democracy and becoming a responsible citizen, by addressing the intrinsic relationships between these subjects. Modules from the Department of Law will also be used, where suitable, to enable the students on an interdisciplinary level to engage with the practical political, social, and economic challenges faced by society today.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics overlap not only in the university, but also in public policy, business and commerce. The intellectual dexterity and versatility that emerges from a training and grounding in these three overlapping and cognate disciplines is an enormous professional, intellectual and vocational asset, valued and recognized by governments, policy makers, enterprises and employers. It enables one to act effectively under guidance in a peer relationship with qualified practitioners; lead multiple, complex and heterogeneous groups.
Programme Co-ordinator:
Dr Susan Gottlöber (Department of Philosophy)
Postgraduate Diploma
Like the MA, the diploma comports 6 MA modules, but unlike it, it involves no thesis.
Ph.D. theses in progress
Gregory Jackson
The Relevance of Art on the Thinking of the Kehre: A Study of Martin Heidegger’s Thinking and Poetizing in the 30s and 40s.
Supervisor: Dr Susan Gottlöber
Daniel Murphy
The Role of the Other in Self-Understanding during the Development of the Hermeneutic Method in Late 19th and Early 20th Century Philosophy
Supervisor: Dr Cyril McDonnell
David O'Brien
Philosophical Anthropology and Transhumanism
Supervisor: Dr Susan Gottlöber
Daire Boyle
The Relevance of Phenomenological Reflections on Consciousness for the Development of 'Strong' Artificial Intelligence
Supervisor: Dr Susan Gottlöber
M.Litt. theses in progress
Ian Baker
Simone Weil's Early Political Philosophy
Supervisor: Dr Susan Gottlöber
Margaret Sealy
Edith Stein's Metaphysical Definition of Death
Supervisor: Dr Mette Lebech
