Maynooth University - Modern and Contemporary Philosophy

Course Overview/Contact:

This MA relates discourses and developments in modern and contemporary philosophy to current debates regarding (but not restricted to) the challenges of globalization, post-secular societies (Habermas), democratic development, etc., as well as to their philosophical foundations. Possible answers to these questions rely upon the philosophical notions of the nature of knowledge and human understanding, identity, plurality, and the human condition. This MA thus aims at carrying out a serious philosophical analysis of some of the underlying cultural themes and philosophical presuppositions of contemporary society. The MA degree (Mode I) in Philosophy is taken by examination (100% continuous assessment) and by minor thesis, the topic of which must be in the subject areas of Modern or Contemporary Philosophy and approved by the Head of the Department. The dissertation comprises a maximum of 15,000 words, and is assessed by the supervisor and the external examiner.

Get in Touch

Programme Director Dr Michael W Dunne
Postgraduate Coordinator Dr Mette Lebech
Tel +353 (0)17083661 / 3718
Fax +353 (0)17084525
Email philosophy.department@nuim.ie / Mette.Lebech@nuim.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/philosophy
Address Department of Philosophy, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Career Options:

The degree provides excellent background for those students who wish to follow an academic career as it will prepare them for research degrees in these topics which may not have sufficient preparation for this in their undergraduate studies. Apart from an academic career this degree is a valuable component of a general education, and the transferable skills it fosters (critical questioning, systematic research, argumentation and writing) are indispensable to a wide variety of careers.

Course Structure:

Course Duration: 1 year Full-time

Course Duration: 2 years Part-time

Entry Requirements & How to Apply:

Admission for candidates with relevant degrees normally with at least a 2.2 (Second-Class Honours, Grade II) overall (or equivalent), or at the discretion of the Philosophy Department. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code Full Time
MHV58

PAC Code Part Time
MHV62

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.