Philosophy (Part-time) (MA)
Are you fascinated by life’s big questions—about knowledge, existence, and morality? The part-time Philosophy MA at UWTSD offers you a unique opportunity to explore these profound ideas in a flexible, distance-learning format, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments. Designed for those with a passion for philosophy, this programme is ideal whether you’re a philosophy graduate looking to deepen your expertise or someone from a related field seeking a new perspective.
Over four years, you will develop a solid philosophical foundation, preparing you to critically engage with both classical and contemporary debates. The course covers a broad range of topics, including ethics, philosophy of mind, and contemporary philosophy, as well as the history of philosophy and analytical philosophy. These areas provide a well-rounded perspective on the major intellectual movements that shape philosophical thought today.
One of the key advantages of this part-time programme is its flexibility. You will have the freedom to select from a variety of modules, allowing you to tailor your studies to your own interests. As part of the programme, you’ll also develop essential research skills, and undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice. This independent project enables you to delve deeply into a particular area, demonstrating your ability to think critically, organise complex ideas, and contribute to ongoing philosophical discussions.
The Philosophy MA is a chance to embark on a meaningful journey into the heart of some of the most enduring and significant ideas in human history. With its blend of intellectual challenge and academic support, this course provides a solid foundation for careers that require critical thinking, clear communication, and analytical skills.
If you’re ready to tackle the most profound questions of human existence, this part-time course will equip you with the tools and insights to explore the depths of philosophical thought.
Course details
- Part-time
- Online
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
The part-time Philosophy MA focuses on an interactive and student-centred approach to learning, blending core philosophical concepts with in-depth exploration of specialised areas. This flexible programme provides access to modules informed by current research, offering opportunities to develop critical thinking and independent academic skills.
Year 1 & 2:
You’ll study core modules, including the compulsory ‘Knowledge, Reason, and Reality.’ These topics will introduce you to essential philosophical questions concerning knowledge, reality, and the relationship between mind and body. You’ll have the option to choose additional modules, such as Moral Philosophy or Environmental Philosophy, allowing you to tailor your learning according to your interests.
Year 3 & 4:
You will focus on completing your MA dissertation—a substantial individual project that enables you to explore a philosophical issue in depth. Drawing on the research skills and knowledge developed in part 1 of the course, you’ll work independently under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor to produce a comprehensive and original piece of research on a topic that interests you.
Compulsory
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 Credits)
(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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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.   
Admissions Advice and Support â¶Ä¯
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements â¶Ä¯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. â¶Ä¯&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 â¶Ä¯
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. â¶Ä¯&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¯â€¯
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯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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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. 
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed. â¶Ä¯
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. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh 
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯â€¯
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Philosophy (MA) grounds your learning across a number of different theoretical and practical areas, specific geographical contexts, and historical themes and perspectives. This is accomplished through a blend of teaching assessments, including a final dissertation focused on a subject of your choice.
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Distance learners should have good internet access and the use of computer facilities.
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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.