Masters

MA in Philosophy & M.Litt

Master in Philosophy

In 2023 we launched a new MA in Philosophy ‌‌

MPI Booklet 23-24 (updated 07.09.23)

Program Director for MA in Philosophy:  Professor Felix Ó Murchadha.
Email address felix.omurchadha@universityofgalway.ie  

Visit University of Galway's Courses Page for information on how to apply, entry requirements and assessment.

For further information information on the the structure of the programmes and the skills you can develop doing an MA in Philosophy, see videos below by Prof. Felix Ó Murchadha.  

Where can an MA take you?

Past graduates of MAs in Philosophy at Galway talk about how the degree helped them in their diverse careers.

Other opportunities

There are many other routes open to students who hold an MA in Philosophy. 

To hear more about working in industry, click here  to hear about Meghan's experience using her philosophical skills in her career in venture capital.

Some of our MA students progress to PhD studies.  Click here to hear about Jessica's experience.  Jessica is currently completing a PhD. 

Following PhD stuties, some graduates build a career in academia.  Click here to hear from professor Ornaith O'Dowd.

Flexible course structure

Students have a range of options open to them within our MA curriculum.  Watch the video below to see how our program can help you pursue your interests.

Postgraduate skills - transferable and desirable

Studying an MA in Philosophy is an opportunity to hone and develop a range of skills that are desirable in today's job market. Watch the video below to learn about the skills in analysis, interpretation and communication that are uniquely developed through philosophical study at the postgraduate level.

Master of Letters

The M.Litt. Degree is a "thesis only" programme: it can be acquired by writing a major thesis under the supervision of a member of the Discipline of Philosophy. Although any topic in philosophy will be considered, it is advisable to seek supervision of a project that relates to the areas of specialization of Discipline members, such as political theory, contemporary ethics, bioethics, philosophy of science, Aristotle, Heidegger, Levinas, hermeneutics, phenomenology, philosophy of mind, Irish Thought, philosophy of medicine, philosophy of psychiatry. 

The Philosophy Discipline is committed to fostering a strong sense of community amongst its Graduate Students by facilitating regular opportunities for Graduate Students to meet and discuss Philosophical issues. Students have the following opportunities for developing their philosophical knowledge and skills:

1. A Philosophy Seminar Series meets regularly at which students can present their research.
2. The Philosophy Discipline  host conferences with prominent Irish and international speakers on a regular basis.
3. A Tutorial Teaching Development Group meets several times a semester to support students in developing their skills in the area of teaching 

Visit University of Galway's Courses Page for information on how to apply, entry requirements and assessment.

Funding

Posgraduate Research

Information on the Fulltime Taught Postgraduate Masters Scholarship Scheme is available here. 

Research

Philosophy Seminar Series

The Philosophy Seminar Series meets every Monday during term time.   This seminar provides an opportunity for Graduate Students to present their work in progress in a constructive and non-threatening environment.  For information on the Philosophy Seminar Series contact  tsarina.doyle@universityofgalway.ie