Postgraduate - Full Time |
2 Years |
| Fees and Funding | |
Application Deadline: |
30th June 2025
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered). |
|
31st May 2025
For non EU |
|
Course Start Date: |
September 2025 |
| Get info | Apply now |
Introduction
The programme for degree of Master’s in Philosophy (MPhil) offers candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Philosophy through specialised study, personal work and research. The programme is worth 120 ECTS.
Description
Masters in Philosophy (MPhil) Research - Two years full time Programme Co-ordinator: Dr Gaven Kerr
This programme is designed to facilitate students who are committed to long term research, within the Christian tradition. As such, it is a a direct route into the Doctoral programme.
There are two methods of obtaining this degree by research.
• Mode A / Structured Research: candidates complete five seminar courses and write a Minor dissertation (25,000-30,000 words).
• Mode B / Pure Research: candidates submit a Major Dissertation (40,000 words) and complete a requirement in research methodology.
Career Outcomes
- TBD
Course Structure
MPhil
Mode A / Structured Research
The programme is comprised of modules and a minor dissertation combined to a total 120 credits. The modules run on a cycle and students choose 5 modules out of the list below in the relevant cycle. This minor dissertation should be between 25,000 and 30,000 words in length (excluding bibliography and appendices). The dissertation shall be examined by the dissertation supervisor and an external examiner chosen by the Faculty. Candidates may be examined on the subject matter of the dissertation if the above examiners so decide Below are the modules offered on the Master in Philosophy Research (subject to change); students undertake 5 of these modules whilst preparing their minor dissertation:
Overview of Postgraduate Modules
Cycle A [beginning even numbered year] | ||||
Code |
| Title | Semester | Comment |
PY09406 |
| Texts in Modern Philosophy | 1 | |
PY09408 |
| Political Theology | 1 | |
PY09411 |
| Ancient Philosophy | 1 | |
PY09407 |
| Themes from the Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas | 2 | |
PY09409 |
| Philosophy of God | 2 | |
| PY09412 | Medieval Philosophy | 2 | ||
Cycle B [beginning odd numbered year] | ||||
PY09401 |
| Philosophical Themes in Ancient and Medieval Thought: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics | 1 | |
PY09403 |
| Mind and World | 1 | |
PY09410 |
| Females Voices in Religious Philosophy | 1 | |
PY09404 |
| Philosophy, Science, and Nature | 2 | |
| PY09402 | Perspectives on Selfhood | 2 | ||
| PY09405 | Creation and Desire | 2 | ||
Academic Life | ||||
PG 903 | Corley | Research Seminar | Yearlong | Qualifier |
PG 901 | Various | Research Support | Yearlong | Qualifier |
Mode B / Pure Research
The Masters in Philosophy (Mode B / Pure Research) consists of specialised research on a chosen topic culminating in the production of a 40,000 word thesis (excluding footnotes and bibliography) Along with the writing of the thesis, students as a rule will be expected to (i) undertake a research and methodology module, (ii) participate in modules offered by the faculty, if relevant to the topic of research, and (iii) contribute to public speaking events in the life of the University. The topic of research is determined in discussion with the Faculty of Philosophy and an appropriate supervisor is appointed. Candidates must complete Postgraduate Induction week. Candidates shall be required to submit their dissertations within two years. Extensions may be granted for one year in exceptional circumstances. The dissertation shall be examined by the dissertation supervisor and an external examiner chosen by the Faculty. Candidates may be examined on the subject matter of the dissertation if the above examiners so decide.
Application Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is an honours primary degree in which Philosophy comprises at least an equal joint honours component. Candidates should have obtained at least Second Class Honours, Grade I or equivalent overall.
The Faculty of Philosophy will also consider applications from candidates whose primary degree is in a subject cognate with philosophy and which comprises a significant philosophical component as determined by the admissions board for the faculty.
An interview will be part of the selection procedure. The candidate will be expected to submit a proposed topic for research and a short abstract; this will be discussed during the interview.
Candidates are expected to show evidence of knowledge of a second language relative to their research. Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirement of the Faculty of Philosophy. Candidates will normally be expected to register year by year on a continuous basis until they have completed their degree. Candidates wishing to suspend registration may do so only on the express permission of the Faculty
If you live outside Ireland, check out our dedicated area for international students.
Let’s talk
For Undergraduate queries: email admissions@spcm.ie.
For Postgraduate queries: email pgadmissions@spcm.ie.
For The Centre for Mission & Ministries queries, email: cmmadmissions@spcm.ie.