Our course-taught MA structure offers three distinct MA Philosophy streams - European Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, and Political Philosophy - providing advanced study in concepts and debates in both analytic and continental traditions.
Applicants are eligible to apply for a Bradley de Glehn Scholarship to support their MA studies.
We also offer an MA (by Research) in Philosophy that allows you to conduct independent research into an area of philosophy, culminating in the writing of a substantial dissertation. Further information about MA by Research.
MA Philosophy streams
MA European Philosophy
The Royal Holloway MA in European Philosophy offers one of the few MA courses in the country to specialise in the European tradition in philosophy.
Drawing on core research and teaching strengths in 19th and 20th century French and German thought, the MA gives students the opportunity to study the development of European philosophy from Kant’s critical philosophy onwards, with a focus on German Idealism and the German phenomenologists on one side, and the French philosophical movements in the 20th century from Bergson and the existentialist movement through to poststructuralism and psychoanalysis.
Programme structure
Advanced Topics in Philosophy (40 credits)
Two courses from among:
Contemporary Continental Political Thought (20 credits)
The European Philosophical Trajectory (20 credits)
Twentieth Century French Thought (20 credits)
40 credits of option courses from available options
Dissertation (60 credits)
MA Modern Philosophy
The MA in Modern Philosophy offers a unique approach by bringing into conversation Anglo-American ‘analytic’ philosophy on the one hand and ‘European’ or ‘Continental’ Philosophy on the other. Incorporating both the analytical focus on technical philosophical problems and the European focus on the social and political implications of philosophy, the MA reflects the way many of the most important developments in contemporary philosophy are resulting from a new dialogue between the traditions. As such, you will explore the key issues, thinkers and texts that are determining the future development of philosophy
Programme structure
Advanced Topics in Philosophy (40 credits)
The European Philosophical Trajectory (20 credits)
Legacies of Wittgenstein (20 credits)
40 credits of option courses from available options
Dissertation (60 credits)
MA Political Philosophy
The MA in Political Philosophy offers advanced training in key issues and thinkers in contemporary political thought, from both Anglo-American and Continental perspectives.
Our political philosophers have research and teaching interests in applied analytical political theory (with issues including immigration, citizenship and the politics of recognition), post-Nietzschean theories of identity and post-identity politics, democratic theory and pragmatist philosophy.
Programme structure
Advanced Topics in Philosophy (40 credits)
Two courses from among:
Anglo-American Political Theory (20 credits)
Contemporary Continental Political Thought (20 credits)
Political Concepts (20 credits)
40 credits of option courses from available options
Dissertation (60 credits)
