Philosophy (MRes) (Research)

Our MRes Philosophy offers you research-based training in philosophy at post-Master's level and serves as a foundation for starting an individual PhD project.

Why choose this course?

• This MRes is ideal for self-motivated, committed students who already have a philosophy qualification and wish to pursue further research in an area of interest in the field.

• It gives you the opportunity to interact with renowned philosophers covering broad areas of the discipline and to undertake your own research in an internationally excellent, research-intensive team.

• It offers you one-to-one feedback and supervision on essays as well as on your dissertation.

What you will learn

The course will give you a firm philosophical grounding and mastery of complex, specialised areas of philosophical study, enabling you to engage critically and reflectively with current philosophical debates. You will also be equipped with the essential research skills you need to proceed to PhD research.

How you will learn

This course is available to study full- or part-time and it has an evening timetable.

You will engage in weekly small-group seminars covering a range of classic papers and topics. You can also present your own work in research-student seminars, overseen by a faculty member, as well as attending our own faculty seminars.

Highlights

• Birkbeck is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.

• As a philosophy student, you will be part of the University of London's thriving philosophical community and be eligible to attend the extensive range of seminars and conferences put on by the Institute of Philosophy.

• We have a specialist philosophy library at 30 Russell Square. The main philosophy collection is held in the Birkbeck Library, which has an extensive range of books and online resources.

• If you are taking the MRes part-time, you may be eligible for a Bonnart Trust Master’s Studentship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this MRes Philosophy you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

• analytical, evaluative, critical reflection skills

• an effective understanding of appropriate research methods in philosophy

• written and oral communication and presentation skills

• time management and the ability to take responsibility for your own learning

• using research tools relevant to your areas of study.

As well as offering you the foundation to progress your studies further, such as with a MPhil/PhD Philosophy, graduates can pursue career paths in education, research, politics and journalism. Possible professions and fields include:

• higher education

• civil service

• local government officer

• journalist

• business and finance

• social work

• marketing and advertising.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.