Overview
The School
The UEA School of Philosophy is a dynamic and friendly department with a highly distinctive research profile – an ideal place in which to be inducted into philosophical research. While actively supporting research in all core areas and periods of philosophy, the School has particular research strengths at various frontiers of the subject: philosophy and the arts (literature, film, music), philosophy and linguistics, environmental philosophy, and metaphilosophy (epistemology and methodology of philosophy) are among its distinctive specialisms. Some of these benefit from the proximity to worldwide leading departments in related areas (including literature and creative writing, and environmental studies). The School is a leading center for research on Wittgenstein, while its members also work on ancient philosophy, early modern philosophy and Kant, phenomenology, and the history of analytic philosophy. Weekly guest lectures and workshops add to the vibrancy of the School and make it easy for newcomers to blend into the graduate community of about thirty, and be in constant touch with academic staff.
The MRes Programme
The Master of Research is a research training programme designed to prepare students for independent research, either as part of a one-plus-three year route leading to the PhD or to give students a cutting edge on the job market. The programme has an undiluted Oxbridge format, with teaching structured around one-on-one tutorials, prepared and supported by a dedicated module on philosophical methodologies, which is currently unique in the UK. Students typically take the methodology module and three supervised study modules consisting of three one-on-one tutorials each. Each module involves doing research on individually agreed topics from one area of the subject, under the guidance of a member of academic staff. Results are presented in three essays. After feedback from the supervisor, two essays are revised and submitted for assessment. Students taking two such modules per semester will have fortnightly essay deadlines and tutorials. One or two of the above modules can be replaced with appropriate taught modules from the menu of PHI MA modules. Alternatively, it is also possible to take logic or language training (e.g. Ancient Greek, or German for philosophical research purposes) in place of one or two of those modules. The weekly Philosophy Postgraduate Research Training Workshop brings together all Masters and PhD students, for further research skills training and discussion of ongoing student work.
From May to September, students write a dissertation (12-15,000 words) on a topic chosen in consultation with the course director and under the guidance of a supervisor.
Course Organiser
Dr Eugen Fischer
Course Brochure
Related Courses
Why Choose Us?
The UEA School of Philosophy stands out through its range of distinctive research strengths. These include original, interdisciplinary work at the intersection of philosophy and linguistics, literature, environmental sciences, economics, and cognitive psychology, as well as innovative work in competing philosophical methodologies and in philosophical-historical scholarship (in particular on Wittgenstein, Kant, and ancient philosophy). In research and graduate teaching, the School collaborates in particular with UEA's internationally leading Schools of Literature and Creative Writing, Environmental Sciences, and Economics. The School of Philosophy offers a vigorous and lively research environment that is an integral part of the UEA's vibrant Graduate School of the Humanities. Philosophy's international, collegial
graduate community of about 30 Masters and PhD students works on a rich variety of research topics, reflecting the distinctive, partially unique, expertise of our
academic staff. The School's high academic standing was recognized in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, where 35% of its contributions were rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
The School of Philosophy is also renowned for teaching excellence, being the second-highest ranked philosophy department in the country in terms of student satisfaction with teaching. It scored full marks (24/24) in the last QAA teaching quality assessment.
Entry Requirements
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Philosophy or related subject
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UK BA (Hons) 2.1 or equivalent
Students for whom English is a foreign language
We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:
· IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.0 listening, 6.0 speaking, 7.0 writing and 6.0 reading)
· TOEFL: Internet-based score of 100 (minimum 19 listening, 21 speaking, 22 writing and 20 reading)
· PTE (Pearson): 70 (minimum 55 listening, 55 speaking, 70 writing and 55 reading)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.
INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact university directly for further information.
Assessment
All applications for postgraduate study are processed through the Faculty Admissions Office and then forwarded to the relevant School of Study for consideration. If you are currently completing your first degree or have not yet taken a required English language test, any offer of a place will be conditional upon you achieving this before you arrive.
Year 1
Compulsory Study (180 credits)
Students will select 180 credits from the following module(s).
| Code |
Credits |
Period |
The module provides commencing graduate students with the methodological foundations for independent philosophical research. Through practical exercises complementing theoretical discussion and philosophical case studies, the module examines nature, structure, and genesis of key problems and theories from different areas of philosophy; on this basis, it discusses the scope, strengths, and weaknesses of both well-established and innovative philosophical methodologies as well as key questions about the nature of philosophy. Methods covered include different forms of conceptual and linguistic analysis, ways of explaining and assessing philosophical intuitions, naturalist approaches, and competing hermeneutic approaches to the interpretation of philosophical texts from different periods and traditions. Meta-philosophical questions addressed include: What are the proper aims and purposes of philosophy (theoretical vs. elucidatory vs. therapeutic conceptions)? In what ways is philosophy similar to, and different from various sciences? In what ways can methods and insights from other disciplines (sciences, literature, and the arts) be put to use for philosophical purposes? The module is taught through a weekly lecture and seminar (total 3 hours/week). Topics of the two 3000-word essays are individually agreed. This module is intended primarily for students on the MRes in Philosophy and the MA in Philosophy and Literature. Students on other MA/MSc programmes can participate with the consent of the module organiser, who will expect substantive prior exposure to philosophy (ca. 6 undergraduate modules in philosophy).
more...
|
PHI-M019 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
For students taking the MA in Social Philosophy. Students are required to write a dissertation of a length as specified in their MA Course Guide on a topic approved by the Course Director or other authorised person.
more...
|
PHI-M10X |
90 |
Semester 2 |
The weekly workshop enables students to present their own work in short presentations and to contribute to discussions on each other's work. Each student must produce a presentation and meaningfully contribute to the meetings in order to pass the module. Presentations can be designed to explore work in progress or to help polish work for final submission, inclusion in the thesis or publication.
more...
|
PHI-M09Y |
10 |
Year Period |
This module provides for supervised study on the same model as Philosophy Supervised Study 1, for students taking two such modules in the Spring semester. Except in the case of Part-Time students, this module can only be taken concurrently with Philosophy Supervised Study Unit 3. This module may also be taken in the form of language skills for original research (e.g. Ancient Greek, German) in which case language exercises and/or translation tasks may replace some or all of the essay work. Training in logic may also take this form.
more...
|
PHI-MA04 |
20 |
Semester 2 |
The module is designed to train the student in research techniques in philosophy and to develop advanced knowledge and understanding in some clearly defined area of the discipline which may or may not have been studied before, eg. at BA level. The student is assigned to work with a tutor with research expertise in the chosen area. The topics covered, and the manner in which they are covered, will be tailored to the student's prior experience in the field. Typically, three essay questions, with bibliographical research, will be set for work during the semester.
more...
|
PHI-MA01 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
This module provides for supervised study on the same model as Philosophy Supervised Study unit 1, and is available as the first such module to be taken in the Spring semester of the programme.
more...
|
PHI-MA02 |
20 |
Semester 2 |
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following module(s).
| Code |
Credits |
Period |
This module provides for supervised study on the same model as Philosophy Supervised Study 1, for students taking two such modules in the Spring semester. Except in the case of Part-Time students, this module can only be taken concurrently with Philosophy Supervised Study module 1. This module may also be taken in the form of language skills for original research (e.g. Ancient Greek, German) in which case language exercises and/or translation tasks may replace some or all of the essay work. Training in logic may also take this form.
more...
|
PHI-MA03 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Fees And Funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for Postgraduate students for the academic year 2012/3 are £5,000 for Home/EU students and £11,900 for International Students.
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home/EU students).
Please note that all the above fees are expected to rise for the year 2013/14. We estimate living expenses at £600/650 per month.
International scholarships
All international students (outside the European Union) are considered for a scholarship of between £1000 and £2000 towards tuition fees. In order to be considered for an International Scholarship you do not need to make a separate application. Please indicate on your application for admission that you wish to be considered for a scholarship. It is important to make the application as early as possible because they are considered as they are received. So apply early to make sure of the best chance of success.
Scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are for the duration of the period of study (which will be one year). Students of outstanding academic ability will also be considered for Faculty Scholarship Awards, usually in March and May each year, which can be worth up to 100% of the tuition fee. These are highly competitive and prestigious awards. Those students being offered a scholarship will be notified directly by the School of Study.
Scholarships and Awards:
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has a number of Scholarships and Awards on offer for 2012 entry. For further information relevant to the School of Philosophy,
please click here.
How To Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
You can
apply online, or by downloading the
hard copy application form, or by using the application form in the University’s Postgraduate Prospectus.
Further Information
To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our
online enquiry form.
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email:
admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the
International Students section of our website.
