For further information and the handbook (which includes entry requirements, module descriptions, progression procedure etc.) please click on
MA Handbook
Please see the Departmental notice board for timetables and venues
M.A. in Philosophy & Postgraduate Diploma
These programmes relate to discourses and developments in the history in Western philosophy up to the 21st century. It thus aims 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 programme allows 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.
There is no thesis required for the PG Diploma.
M.A. in Philosophy, 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 Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy
This M.A. offers students the opportunity to explore Western philosophical thought from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. 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 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 philosophers in the Western tradition from medieval times to the 17th century.
M.A. in Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
This M.A. relates discourses and developments in modern and contemporary philosophy to current debates regarding (but not restricted to) the challenges of globalization, post-secular societies (racism, toleration), and democratic development, etc., as well as to their philosophical foundations. Possible answers to these questions rely upon the philosophical notions of the nature of knowledge and human understanding, identity, plurality, and the human condition. This M.A. aims at carrying out a serious philosophical analysis of some of the underlying cultural themes and philosophical presuppositions of contemporary society.
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)
