Program Overview

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Overview of the M.Phil. in Philosophy

The M.Phil. in Philosophy is a broad and intellectually challenging postgraduate course for students with a background in philosophy or related disciplines with a strong philosophy component. The wide-ranging curriculum is designed to enable students to understand what is distinctive about philosophical methodology, to critically engage with contemporary debates in the core systematic areas of philosophy, and to combine modern historical scholarship with a rigorous contemporary philosophical approach.

Course Structure

The M.Phil. in Philosophy incorporates both taught and research components. Students take six taught modules, worth 60 ECTS, which work together to form an integrated foundation for cutting-edge contemporary philosophical research. Small class sizes facilitate interactive seminar-style teaching, and there is an emphasis on regular and intensive contact between students and their lecturers. In addition, the research dissertation, which counts for 30 ECTS, is the culmination of the Masters programme with students receiving one-to-one supervisory support from an academic supervisor in the student’s chosen field.

Course Content

Students are required to take six taught modules, which may change from one year to the next depending on staff availability. Modules offered in recent years include:

• Introduction to Philosophical Research
• Modern European Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Ethics
• Ancient Philosophy
• Development of Analytic Philosophy In addition, students must write a dissertation not exceeding 15,000 words.

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree at second-class level (2.1) or above (or equivalent) in Philosophy is the normal requirement, but applicants who can demonstrate a strong Philosophy component in their degree in a different discipline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Career Opportunities

Philosophy graduates find that their ability to be analytical, to question assumptions, and to be innovative thinkers opens up a range of opportunities in fields as varied as teaching, journalism, media, advertising, law, finance, and technology. This M.Phil. is also particularly relevant for students interested in pursuing further philosophical research.

Course Details

• Awards: NFQ Level 9
• Number of Places: 15 Places
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Lilian Alweiss
• Closing Date: 30th June 2025

Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

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