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Continental Philosophy (MA) (2024 Entry)

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Explore our Continental Philosophy taught Master's degree.

Join the distinctive Continental Philosophy MA at University of Warwick. The Philosophy department offers a broad range of topics within the field of continental (Post-Kantian) philosophy. Discover expertise in 19th and 20th century continental philosophy and receive specialist guidance.


Course overview

This programme draws on our long-established strengths in Continental Philosophy. It is distinctive in offering an unusually broad range of module options specifically in this area of philosophy. Modules cover 19th and 20th century Continental Philosophy, major figures and themes, as well as more specialised topics drawing on individual research strengths.

Because of the breadth of our expertise in this area, whichever module options you choose, you will be taught by world leaders in their respective fields.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Philosophy or a related subject with a significant philosophical component; a writing sample of around 2,500 words on a philosophical topic.

See our departmental guidanceLink opens in a new window.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

Due to the flexibility of this programme, there are no set core modules, but students will be required to take a minimum of two modules from a list of optional core modules.


Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

  • Hegel's Aesthetics
  • Hegel's Science of Logic
  • Nietzsche
  • 20th Century French Philosophy
  • Husserl on Knowledge
  • Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason
  • Metaphysics and Epistemology
  • Time, Process and Experience
  • Appearance Matters
  • Mind and Language
  • Moral and Political Philosophy
  • Vagueness
  • Philosophies of the Future

Read more about our optional modules.Link opens in a new window

Teaching

On this course you will follow a programme of taught modules, followed by a 10,000 word dissertation. You will cover four modules - although your exact pathway will depend on your selection of modules.

We offer a wide range of optional modules reflecting the great breadth of research areas we have in our department, so you will be able to tailor your course to your interests and aspirations. You will have a personal tutor who will be able to advise you on your academic progress as well as discuss which modules might work best for you.


Class sizes

Seminar class sizes for this course typically range from 8-20 people.


Typical contact hours

For taught components, there are typically two hours of teaching per module per week.


Assessment

You will submit assessed essays during the academic terms. You will also begin planning your dissertation and generally you will undertake your supervision sessions for this with your agreed supervisor during the summer term. As long as you pass your taught components, you will then focus on completion of your MA dissertation in the summer months (July and August).


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Any compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Your career

Completing an MA provides a strong foundation for those intending to study for a PhD. In addition to those pursuing further study, graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including: NPower; Oasis Academy; Teleperformance and the University of Warwick.

Our graduates have pursued roles such as: further education teaching professionals; IT business analysts, architects and systems designers; library clerks and assistants and secondary education teaching professionals.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Identifying Your Skills, Strengths and Motivators for Philosophy Students
  • Thinking about Work Experience for Philosophy Students
  • Careers in the Public Sector
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year

Philosophy at Warwick

Philosophy at Warwick is recognised for our support of diverse philosophical traditions, including both analytic and continental philosophy. We have particular strengths in:

  • Philosophy of Mind, Action, and Epistemology
  • Philosophy of Psychology
  • Philosophy of Literature and the Arts
  • Moral and Political Philosophy
  • Kant and Hegel
  • 19th and 20th Century Post-Kantian (Continental) Philosophy, including Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger
  • Mathematical Logic

We also collaborate extensively with academics and practitioners in other subjects and have long-standing collaborations with researchers and practitioners across all faculties.

At Warwick, you’ll be part of an inclusive staff and student community. We provide a vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for philosophy and develop their skills as researchers.

Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Philosophy Funding Opportunities

Find out more about the various funding opportunities that are available in our department.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.