Maynooth University - Philosophy

Course Overview/Contact:

This MA relates discourses and developments in the history in Western philosophy up to the 21st century. It thus aims at carrying out a serious philosophical analysis of some of the underlying cultural themes and philosophical presuppositions of Western self understanding and contemporary society. Building upon the strengths of critical thinking, systematic reflection, and historical awareness developed at undergraduate level, the programme allows the student to explore thematic concerns of philosophers in the Western tradition from medieval times to the 21st century. The MA degree (Mode I) in Philosophy is taken by examination (100% continuous assessment) and by minor thesis, the topic of which must be 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)1 708 3661 / 3718
Fax +353 (0)1 708 4525
Email philosophy.department@nuim.ie / Mette.Lebech@nuim.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/philosophy
Address Department of Philosophy, Maynooth Univeristy, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Career Options:

Philosophy is not a qualification to do a particular job; rather it is a valuable component of general education. The expertise gained in Philosophy is of great value in many different careers. Philosophy is a good preparation for an academic career and for careers in journalism, law, radio, television and the media in general, and politics. Increasingly, philosophy graduates are being hired by large corporations, e.g. in roles such as management consultancy, as people who can approach problems from a new perspective. Philosophy graduates are valued for their quick intelligence, their ability to reason clearly and independently and their ability to take an overview on the problem or situation confronting them.

Course Structure:

Course Duration: 1 year Full-time

Course Duration: 2 years Part-time

Entry Requirements:

Candidates applying for MA Programmes in Philosophy should normally have a BA Honours degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 2 in Philosophy or its equivalent. 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
MHV50

PAC Code Part Time
MHV51

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.

Applicants may be required to attend for interview as part of the admissions process.