About this course
The Philosophy MA will give you: a
- firm grounding for advanced work in philosophy (either at the master's level or in preparation for a PhD)
- thorough training in research skills
- the opportunity to choose which areas of philosophy you'd like to focus on
You can explore a range of exciting topics with current relevance, such as:
- aesthetics
- animal ethics
- ethics of climate change
- philosophy of sex
- the philosophical implications of AI
You can also focus on cutting-edge work in:
- history of philosophy (Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer and Wittgenstein, in particular)
- theory of knowledge
- philosophy of religion
- philosophy of mind and language
- metaphysics
In REF2021, Southampton was ranked sixth in the UK for our research and joint first for the impact of our research.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr. Brian McElwee, Lecturer in Philosophy. His research interests include normative ethics, applied ethics, and the history of moral philosophy. Read Dr. McElwee's staff profile to find out more about his work.
Learn more about this subject area
My favourite thing about studying at Southampton is the wide range of modules that the course offers. The ability to tailor the course to suit your interests is nice.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:2 degree in philosophy or a relevant subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Your studies on the full-time course run for a full 12 months, from September to the following September.
For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course.
Each semester is made up of a combination of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
Over the summer you’ll work independently on your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Contemporary Topics in Philosophy
Mind, Knowledge and Reality
Philosophy Dissertation
Philosophy Individually Negotiated Topic 1
Philosophy Individually Negotiated Topic 2
Research Skills in Philosophy
The Philosophy of Value
You must also choose from the following modules :
Business, Morality, and Markets
Classical Chinese Philosophy
Classical Indian Philosophy: Self, Knowledge, and Liberation
Crime and Punishment
Happiness and Wellbeing
Islamic Philosophy
Philosophical Pessimism
Philosophy and Ethics in Psychology and AI
Philosophy of Sex, Sexuality, and Gender
Placement Module
The Ethics of Belief: Evidence, Truth, and Ideology
The Ethics of Climate Change
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- essays
- presentations
- a dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll research and write a 20,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, in agreement with your supervisor.
This is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of a particular topic.
You'll have regular meetings with your supervisor for advice, guidance and feedback.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Creativity
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Local government,
national government bodies,
regional councils,
museums,
Libraries,
universities,
schools,
colleges,
tourism,
heritage service providers,
charitable organisations.
- Social researcher
- Policy officer
- Journalist
- Business analyst
- University lecturer
- Academic researcher
- Secondary school teacher
- FE College lecturer
- Project manager
- Recruitment consultant
- Careers adviser
- Human resources officer
- Intelligence analyst
- Marketing executive
- Account manager
- Local government officer
- Management consultant
- Political assistant
- Management trainee
- Graduate research executive
- Intelligence and data officer
- IT resourcer
- Tutor
- Freelance writer
- Corporate communications intern
- Financial consultant
- Human resources officer
- Legal assistant
Job prospects for MA Philosophy graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £11,500.
- EU and international students pay £26,200.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course.
If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship
There are 40 scholarships available to international students applying to study an undergraduate or postgraduate master's degree in an arts or humanities subject. Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.
Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
There is 1 scholarship of £9250 available to UK students studying an eligible Philosophy postgraduate master’s degree.
Learn more about eligibility and the terms and conditions of our Philosophy MA Scholarship.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 2 September 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to submit two academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a sample of written work
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000