MA Philosophy

Program Overview

The MA Philosophy program at UCD provides advanced philosophical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and research capabilities for students seeking academic careers or diverse professional paths. It offers a General stream and a European Philosophy stream that emphasizes the study of Kant and post-Kantian philosophy. Graduates have excelled in both academia and various industries, including business, media, and human rights.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Philosophy program at UCD is designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of philosophy at the graduate level. It aims to provide a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue further graduate research. The program emphasizes critical thinking, reflection on current philosophical debates, and the history of philosophical thought. It encourages students to contribute their own perspectives and fosters a learning environment that promotes collegiality and a pluralistic approach to philosophy.

Objectives:

• Deepen understanding of the significance and value of ideas in internationalization and globalization.
• Develop skills for pursuing a career in academia, including research and organizational skills.
• Learn how to write research proposals and secure funding from national and international organizations.
• Master the art of composing and structuring philosophical writing for peer-reviewed journals, book collections, and monographs.
• Gain proficiency in presenting and defending philosophical papers in seminars, workshops, conferences, and other forums.
• Enhance the ability to work with texts, organize a thesis, and present extended philosophical arguments clearly and compellingly.
• Develop an awareness of the relevance of philosophy to other academic disciplines and to personal, professional, and political life.
• Acquire extensive knowledge of library and online research resources, including classical and foreign language sources.
• For students in the European Philosophy Stream: Conduct a detailed study of Kant and Post-Kantian philosophy, including classical and contemporary work in Transcendental and Existential Phenomenology and Critical theory.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes key teaching approaches such as philosophical debates, critical reflections, essays, and paper presentations.
• Small group seminars and participation in conferences and workshops are integral components of the program design.
• The program benefits from the presence of world-leading figures in philosophy who deliver invited seminars and conferences throughout the year.

Careers:

• Philosophy graduates work in diverse fields, including business, public-sector management, marketing and advertising, media and broadcasting, recruitment, and human resources.
• Graduates of the UCD School of Philosophy have pursued successful academic careers in Ireland, the UK, and the US.
• Other graduates have distinguished themselves as playwrights, journalists, human-rights activists, broadcasters, filmmakers, and musicians.

Other:

• The program offers two streams: General and Contemporary European.
• Students in the General stream can take classes in contemporary European philosophy, analytic philosophy, and ancient philosophy.
• The School of Philosophy is considered among the world's top ten for "20th Century Continental Philosophy."

• Full Time
• EU fee per year - € 10100
• nonEU fee per year - € 22600
• Part Time
• EU fee per year - € 5460
• nonEU fee per year - € 11300