PhilosophyMA
Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/philosophy-ma Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026
2026-27 entry
Philosophy MA
School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities, Faculty of Arts and Humanities\
Engage with cutting edge philosophical research and master the foundations of the discipline across its different traditions. Our Philosophy MA allows you to pursue your particular philosophical interests while honing your research skills and enhancing your career prospects.
- Start date \ September 2026
- Duration \ 1 year 2 years
-
Attendance \ Full-time Part-time
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Apply now for 2026 entry or book a place on our online open day on 29 April 2026 to see where a Sheffield masters could take you.
Course description
Whether your first degree was in philosophy or you are transitioning from another discipline, this degree will develop your philosophical understanding and enhance your research skills.
Our Philosophy MA is designed to offer a coherent but flexible programme of study, with modules and topics complementing each other to support specialisation - all while ensuring a strong foundation for career success.
You’ll get to grips with philosophy at its most forward looking, and immerse yourself in one or more methodological traditions. Optional modules cover both theoretical and practical philosophy, giving you the opportunity to specialise in political theory.
You’ll sharpen your arguments and critical thinking skills as you engage in debates over pressing real world issues, and on deep conceptual questions relating to thought, language, knowledge and the ultimate nature of reality.
Do you have a question? Talk to us
Book a 15-minute online meeting with the course lead to find out more information and ask further questions.
Book an appointment with Niall Connolly
Modules
We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry and are in the process of confirming the modules. The information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover. There may be changes before you begin your studies. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details of the core and optional modules available to you.
We're committed to making our philosophy modules conceptually and demographically decolonised.
MA modules
In the Philosophy MA, you will deepen your understanding of philosophy in core modules that explore different philosophical traditions and approaches, and engage with new directions in philosophical research.
You will have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules that may cover thought, language and reality, ethics and practical philosophy, and political theory.
You will also work on a dissertation where you will develop your own research project with the support of a dedicated supervisor, culminating in a major piece of independent research.
Core modules:
Approaches to Philosophy : The aim of the module is to provide PGT students with a diverse range of methodological perspectives to employ as they embark on their own research journey and to develop textual analysis and interpretation skills. The module provides bespoke research preparation to the study of different methodological traditions, past or present. Indicative topics to be covered in any given year might include some or all of: i) Analytic Philosophy and Empirical Science; ii) Phenomenology; iii) Pragmatism; iv) Feminist Approaches to Philosophy.In this module, students will also acquire bespoke skills relevant to employability. The aim of this element is to develop confident and transferable communication skills by applying one or more philosophical concepts studied in the module to some topic in current affairs, or to some organisation, institution or profession, in the form of a policy document, poster or digital media artefact. This element will be assessed and will count for 25% of the module mark. Students will utilise MySkills to reflect on the completion of this task as a development experience.Teaching will be by way of weekly lectures and seminars, with tutorial support for assigned course work and the Employability component.
**30 credits**
New Directions in Philosophy : The aim of this module is to introduce PGT students to current and emerging trends in philosophy as they embark on their own research journey.\ \ This module provides a bespoke research preparation to different topics at the cutting edge of contemporary philosophy. Students will specialize in their preferred topic for the purposes of assessment. Indicative topics to be covered in any given year might include some or all of: i) Applied/Socially Engaged Philosophy of Language; ii) Philosophy of Technology/AI; iii) New Approaches to Modality; (iv) Environmental Bioethics; (v) Contemporary Approaches to Meta-normativity.\ \ In this module, students will also acquire bespoke research skills relevant to employability, including a brief presentation on a topic from the module syllabus and oral feedback on the presentations of other students. The aim of this element is to develop confident and transferable collaboration and oral communication skills. \
**30 credits**
Plus the below: - Dissertation module Optional modules:
Political Theory : This module covers political theory broadly conceived. It encompasses theoretical questions about justice and governance, along with more practical and topical questions. If you are new to political philosophy then this will be a hands-on introduction. Or you can build on an established foundation of knowledge by exploring these questions in depth. Indicative topics to be covered in any given year include: i) Democracy; ii) Prisons and Punishment; iii) Colonialism, Racism and Fascism; iv) Commemorative Justice; v) Animals' Political Rights.You will be able to tackle these questions using tools and frameworks gained in the Approaches to Philosophy module. The module will be team taught, and each component topic will be taught by a specialist who has worked on or is working on that topic.Teaching will be by way of weekly lectures and seminars, with individual supervision for coursework essays.
**30 credits**
Ethics and Practical Philosophy : This module covers topics in ethics and practical philosophy, broadly conceived. You will have the opportunity to make an in-depth study of a number of selected topics within ethics, metaethics, moral psychology, social philosophy, and aesthetics. The questions covered include substantial questions about value and normativity as well as meta-level questions about the epistemology and metaphysics of practical thought and language. \ \ If you are new to these areas of enquiry, you will be getting a hands-on introduction. If you want to build on an established foundation of knowledge then the topics have been chosen to allow that. Indicative topics covered in any given year include: i) Theories of Value in Ethics and Aesthetics; ii) Blame, Apology and Forgiveness; iii) The Immoral Realism debate; iv) Philosophy of Disability; v) Moral and Normative Scepticism.\ \ The module will be team taught, and each component topic will be taught by a specialist who has worked on or is working on that topic.\ \ Teaching will be by way of weekly lectures and seminars, with individual supervision for coursework essays.
**30 credits**
Thought, Language and Reality : This module covers topics in theoretical philosophy broadly conceived. Within this wide field lie questions about the ultimate nature of reality and about our own nature as beings who inhabit this reality and are capable of thinking, knowing and communicating about it: questions in epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, logic, and the philosophy of language. The module will be team-taught, and each component topic will be taught by a specialist who has worked on that topic. Indicative topics covered in any given year include: i) Consciousness, ii) Truth and the Liar Paradox, iii) Personal Identity, iv) Mystical and Psychedelic Experience, v) Analytical/Social Epistemology.Teaching will be by way of weekly lectures and seminars, with individual supervision for coursework essays. If you are new to theoretical philosophy this will be a hands-on introduction. If you already have a strong foundation in this field of enquiry that you want to build on, then this module allows you to do that through an in depth exploration of some of its most fascinating questions.
**30 credits**
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
Interested in postgraduate taught study?
- Take part in our online open day on Wednesday 29 April
- Join us on a discovery afternoon on Tuesday 12 May
- Register your interest in studying at Sheffield.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Teaching
We'll support you in thinking carefully, analytically and creatively about core and contemporary debates.
You'll learn through lectures and also small-group discussions in research seminars. These discussions give you the opportunity to explore module reading materials, as well as your own philosophical interests.
We provide one-to-one supervision for your dissertation and your philosophy essays, to help you develop as an independent researcher.
Assessment
For taught philosophy modules, assessments take place through long essay assignments. You'll have the opportunity to develop your ideas and draft your work with detailed feedback from your module convenor.
You'll also experience additional assessment components, specifically designed to enhance your employability.
On the dissertation module, you'll develop a longer piece of philosophical work, with detailed feedback from your dissertation supervisor.
Your career
Our Philosophy MA is designed equally to prepare you to continue to a PhD in philosophy (as many students do) or to enhance your career prospects outside of academia.
We offer support and advice for students who decide to apply for a PhD and our postgraduate training seminars include sessions on PhD funding and on non-academic jobs for philosophers.
If you're interested in non-academic career routes, this course will help you develop and enhance a range of crucial transferable skills (for example, research writing, project organisation, critical thinking) while developing a deeper understanding of the many fascinating and important questions at the heart of philosophical inquiry. These skills will put you in a strong position when it comes to finding employment.
Our graduates work in teaching, law, social work, computing, the civil service, journalism, paid charity work, business, insurance and accountancy.
I could not have achieved my successful career progression without my postgraduate degree and the support I received from the University of Sheffield.
My degree has enabled me to develop my confidence about my own abilities, and enhance my writing and qualitative data analysis skills. It taught me how to think and write in a way which I had never done before, with such precision, determination and belief in my own research and scrutiny of such.
Katie Griffin-Pearce
Policy Officer, Durham County Council. Postgraduate philosophy graduate
School
School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities
In the School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities, we interrogate some of the most significant and pressing aspects of human life, offering new perspectives and tackling globally significant issues.
As a postgraduate student, you’ll be taught by academics who engage in cutting-edge research across a wide range of philosophical disciplines, including epistemology, ethics, social, political and environmental philosophy, metaphysics and philosophy of the mind and various areas of cognitive science, among others.
The diversity of our research expertise allows us to offer programmes which are truly interdisciplinary and flexible - and create a thriving research community where students and staff come together to discuss topics, explore new ideas and expand their knowledge in a supportive environment.
We’ll also provide you with opportunities to use your knowledge to engage with real world problems and make a difference in the community, through projects like our award-winning Philosophy in the City programme, which enables students to teach philosophy in the local community to audiences of all ages.
Our Centre for Engaged Philosophy pursues research into questions of fundamental political and social importance, from criminal justice and social inclusion to climate ethics, all topics that are covered in our teaching. Their events are open to all students and there are opportunities to get involved in event planning and delivery.
Our highly interdisciplinary Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies supports collaborative research on fundamental issues concerning the nature of cognition. With established collaborative links with many universities in the UK, Europe, and the United States, the Centre organises seminars, workshops, and conferences to address core questions in cognitive science. Events are open to all students and there are opportunities to get involved in event planning and delivery.
Student profiles
[Philosophy helps me to understand the world from a new perspective
Can Du
International postgraduate student, \ MA Philosophy](https://sheffield.ac.uk/hpdh/postgraduate/philosophy-masters-student-profiles/can-du)
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.
Subject requirements
Your degree should be in an Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences subject.
View an indicative list of degree titles we would consider
We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.
If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.
We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
IELTS 7 (with 6.5 in each component) or University equivalent.
Other English language qualifications we accept
Other requirements
We will not ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.
We do not require a supporting statement for this programme.
Pathway programme for international students
If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Fees and funding
Postgraduate funding opportunities
If you qualify, you may be able to get financial support through the University’s scholarships and fee waivers.
Postgraduate funding opportunities page
Petrie Watson Scholarship
We're offering two scholarships worth £4,000 each for home fee-paying students starting an eligible masters course in 2026 who have previously graduated from the University. This scholarship can't be awarded alongside any other funding from the University.
Petrie Watson Scholarship: find out if you're eligible
Funding for postgraduate taught courses
Save on your course fees
£3,000 scholarships for international students
Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
More information
School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities
Contact
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Contacts for prospective students
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
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