Philosophy (Part-time) (MRes)
The part-time Master of Research (MRes) in Philosophy is a flexible, research-focused degree designed for individuals who wish to explore philosophical ideas in depth while balancing other professional or personal commitments. This distance-learning programme allows you to study from anywhere while working closely with expert academics, offering a unique opportunity to develop advanced research skills and engage with key philosophical questions.
The course is ideal for philosophy graduates who wish to deepen their understanding of the subject and develop a major research project. It also provides an excellent foundation for further study, particularly for those considering a PhD in Philosophy, as well as careers that require strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The MRes in Philosophy combines taught modules with independent research. You will complete 60 credits of taught coursework, where you will study key philosophical themes and learn essential research methods. These modules will help you build the knowledge and skills needed for the next stage of the course: a 120-credit dissertation, equivalent to 30,000 words. This research project allows you to explore a topic of your choice under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.
You can tailor your degree by selecting from a range of specialist modules, ensuring your studies align with your personal interests and career goals. The programme is designed to develop your ability to analyse complex ideas, construct well-reasoned arguments, and communicate effectively—skills that are highly valued in both academia and the professional world.
The MRes in Philosophy is more than just an academic qualification; it is a chance to become part of a community of researchers dedicated to exploring fundamental questions about knowledge, ethics, existence, and more. Throughout the course, you will gain advanced expertise in philosophical research, work one-to-one with a supervisor to develop your own original research project, acquire critical thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills that are transferable to a wide range of careers, and benefit from flexible learning options, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments.
This programme is ideal if you are looking to build a strong foundation for further study or a career that requires independent thought and analytical insight. Whether you plan to continue your research at PhD level or apply your skills in industries such as education, government, or the private sector, this course equips you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Join the MRes in Philosophy and take the next step in your academic and professional journey.
Course details
- Part-time
- Online
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
As a part-time student, you will study 30 credits per year, progressing through a combination of taught modules and independent research. Within each semester, modules run in parallel, allowing you to gain a broad understanding of philosophical concepts while managing multiple areas of study simultaneously. This structure provides the flexibility to integrate your academic development with other responsibilities, making it ideal for those working or pursuing other commitments alongside their studies.
Part I
In the first part, you will engage with foundational philosophical concepts through the compulsory module Knowledge, Reason and Reality, where you will explore key themes in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Additionally, you will have the freedom to choose from a wide range of optional modules, including topics such as Moral Philosophy, Mind and Body: Descartes and Wittgenstein, Islam Today, and Environmental Philosophy, among others, enabling you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and research goals.
Part II
The second part is dedicated to independent research, culminating in the completion of a 25,000-30,000 word MRes Dissertation (Philosophy). This final project allows you to conduct in-depth research on a topic of your choice, under the guidance of experienced faculty members. The dissertation provides an opportunity to develop expertise in a specific area of philosophy, synthesizing your learning from Part I while contributing original insights to the field.
Compulsory
Optional
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Ratings and Rankings
Further information
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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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The programme is delivered via distance learning. There is no requirement to visit our campus, although you are always welcome to do so. The programme consists of online lectures, discussion forums and one-to-one tutorials.
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Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Estimates are on the assumption that students buy new copies of the books. Students may also choose to spend money on printing drafts of work.
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The programme will help students to develop skills that are valuable to a wide range of employers, such as the ability to: analyse complex information in a critical manner; present clear and coherent arguments; present complex information in a clear manner.
More particularly, the programme will attract students who are looking to take up future employment opportunities, or are already in employment, in areas or sectors where an understanding of philosophical issues will be of benefit.
This may include voluntary workers, teachers and trainers, academics, community and government-based agencies and projects, intercultural, multi-faith networks dedicated to building community relations, reconciliation and reconstruction schemes with various global agencies and disaster relief bodies.