Philosophy MA

The MA Philosophy course at the University of Manchester gives you the tools to think deeply, argue clearly, and tackle the biggest questions facing society today. If you want to study philosophy at postgraduate level, this intellectually rigorous and flexible course will help you build the skills needed for academic research or a career where critical thinking is essential.

Taught by internationally recognised academics, your studies will be grounded in analytic philosophy and include extensive research training to prepare you for a substantial independent project. You’ll be enabled to identify research needs, undertake work to reach these and reflect upon your practices through a core unit, taught alongside your choice of optional course units chosen from the broad selection offered. You’ll also decide whether to write a 10,000 or 15,000-word dissertation, working closely with a specialist supervisor in your chosen area.

Optional course units on the MA Philosophy course range from the philosophy of mind and history of analytic philosophy to topical questions such as ‘how to do things with words today.’

As one of the few philosophy departments within a School of Social Sciences, you’ll benefit from interdisciplinary connections across politics, law, sociology, economics and anthropology. You’ll also have access to a vibrant research culture, including regular departmental seminars, postgraduate-led workshops, and major national and international conferences. Bursaries are available for students attending external events.

Whether you’re preparing for PhD study in philosophy or aiming for a career in the civil service, journalism, law, teaching or research, you’ll graduate with highly transferrable skills in research design, argumentation and creative problem-solving. Studying philosophy at Manchester means joining a university ranked top 10 in the UK in Philosophy (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025), and one of the UK’s most targeted by top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024).