Philosophy

Course Overview

The programme aims to enhance students’ ability to articulate the transformational value of philosophical thought with respect to basic conceptual frameworks and specific ethical, societal and political issues. In doing so, it seeks to develop an understanding of the relevance of philosophical thought in diverse areas of public life. It does all this through critical analysis of key concepts and debates in cutting-edge contemporary Philosophy from both Analytic and European/Continental traditions.



Drawing on long traditions of philosophical thought, our modules aim to explore questions of values, forms of reasoning and modes of practice as they play out in personal, societal, and political contexts. The programme combines historical perspectives and contemporary critical debates to provide analytic and argumentative skills that are transferable into diverse areas of employment as well as being advantageous for further study in philosophy. A notable feature of the programme is that students are given the opportunity to organise a peer-reviewed international graduate conference. Within the Philosophy of Children component, students may have placement experience in Irish schools.



This MA programme is committed to a vision of philosophy as deeply engaged with the world around us today. The programme has the objective of enhancing the skills of its graduates in identifying questions, analysing arguments and working towards developing sound and cogent ways of transformative thinking with respect to contemporary technologies, political systems and structures of rationality.



Course Outline

The MA in Philosophy is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) master’s programme. This programme is designed around two main Streams: Public and Applied Philosophy and Post-Kantian European Philosophy. Students will be offered courses in these main areas covering topics such as the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the Values of Democracy, Civic Education and Philosophy for Children (P4C), Phenomenology of Emotions, Values and Culture and Philosophy of Nature. Courses will involve intensive reading of such philosophers as Kant, Schelling, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Rawls, amongst many others. Students will also have the option of doing courses in other MA programmes throughout the College of Arts, as well as self-directed learning on an agreed topic supervised by a member of the academic staff.



There are three compulsory courses: Dissertation (15,000 words) on the topic agreed with a member of the Academic staff of Philosophy, Research Methods and the Departmental Seminar.

QQI Level 8 at H2.2 in relevant subject area, GPA 3.0 or equivalent international qualification in Philosophy or a cognate discipline. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if applicable.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year, full-time; 2 years, part-time.

Next start date: September 2024.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Career Opportunities

Students on this course will graduate with a range of transferable skills such as Research and Investigative skills, Critical Reasoning, Communication skills, Facility with Arguments and Interpretive skills, which are valued by employers from a wide range of areas including consultancy, administration, cultural organisations, NGOs, public and social services, education, and journalism. It is also a great preparation for further PhD studies.