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Philosophy

Explore intriguing contemporary issues, focussing on topics at the forefront of our specialisms.

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Why study with us

We investigate the complexity of our fast-changing world, examining topics reflecting our research strengths in moral philosophy, epistemology and the philosophy of mind and cognition.

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Award-winning staff

We regularly host Royal Institute of Philosophy branch events and lectures, opening up latest thinking from leading experts.

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Social impact

We are committed to developing socially beneficial impact from our work. Among our latest projects is 'Changing attitudes to public discourse'.

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Employability

93% of our postgraduate taught graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21)

Courses

Philosophy (MA)

Full time, Part time

Participate in current philosophical debates and develop key research skills through collaborative inquiry.

Critical and Cultural Theory (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

Students on the PhD Critical and Cultural Theory receive supervision from academic staff with a long-standing commitment to excellence and diversity in research, who work at the forefront of pioneering research in critical and cultural theory.

English Literature (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

Make a substantial and innovative contribution to knowledge about, and understandings of, literature and culture.

Philosophy (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

Work with staff at the forefront of the discipline, to address traditional and new challenges in philosophy and its real-life applications.

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Philosophy

Philosophy

Find out more about our MA Philosophy.

Discover our School

Discover our School

Get a glimpse of what it might be like to study with us in Cardiff.

I studied philosophy as an undergraduate student and always enjoyed the teaching style and the subjects we discussed. I knew when I completed my degree that I wasn’t ready to leave Cardiff and the amazing philosophy tutors there. The Philosophy MA is the best thing I’ve done.
Rachel Davies MA Philosophy

Learn more about us

Dictionary definition of philosophy

Philosophy

Explore intriguing and complex contemporary issues with philosophers internationally recognised for their work in a wide range of specialist areas. Our rewarding MA programme will develop your knowledge of philosophical issues and techniques, with a focus on topics at the forefront of epistemology, moral philosophy, and philosophy of mind and cognition.

ENCAP students

Philosophical edge

Embedded in a thriving and supportive research community with its postgraduate work-in-progress seminars, year-round reading groups, workshops and conferences, Philosophy postgraduates participate in the thought-provoking Royal Institute of Philosophy visiting speaker programme and an annual conference.

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Postgraduate research

Make your original contribution to knowledge in a thriving, internationally renowned research community. Our PhD offers a diverse range of research training plus the opportunity to gain teaching experience through our HEA-accredited ‘Learning to Teach’ programme.

Centrally located

Study in the heart of our leafy city centre campus at the John Percival Building, with easy access to the University’s magnificent Special Collections and Archives in the adjacent Arts and Social Sciences Library.

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Funding your studies

Learn more about the scholarships, UK government support packages and student loans available to you.

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Browse our accommodation

We have a variety of halls and houses to suit your preferences, interests and budgets.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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View our Philosophy postgraduate taught courses

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View our Philosophy postgraduate research course

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

Other subjects you may be interested in

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English language and linguistics

Explore and research the form, function and effect of human communication and language.

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English literature and creative writing

Dive into the diversity of English literature and discover connections across popular culture and theory or hone your Creative Writing talent with our professional writers.

Source: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2023. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.