MA Contemporary European Philosophy

MA in Contemporary European Philosophy

For students interested in Contemporary European philosophy (also known as ‘continental philosophy’), University College Dublin is reckoned to be one of the top universities in the English speaking world.

The ever-popular MA in Contemporary European Philosophy programme draws on the three main specialisations of the relevant faculty. These are: German Idealism and Post-Kantian Philosophy, Phenomenology, Critical Theory. Topics treated in the modules include transcendental and absolute idealism and subjectivity, intentionality and being in the world, embodiment and otherness, critique of ideology, autonomy and recognition, feminism and gender theory.

Programme Content and Structure (2025/26)

The programme may be taken in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). Over either time span, you must take six modules: four from the list of Core Modules and the remaining two from the rest of those on offer. Descriptions of the MA modules may be found here.

(A)  Core Modules (4)

Autumn Trimester

• PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception
• PHIL41240 John Henry Newman: Philosophical Perspectives
• PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory
• PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philosophy

Spring Trimester

• PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction
• PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche
• PHIL41960 Environmental Ethics

(B)  Option Modules (2)

Options include modules in list (A).

Autumn Trimester

• PHIL40410 Philosophy & Literature
• PHIL40970 Topics in Philosophy of Mind & Cognition
• PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life
• PHIL41530 Reading & Research*
• PHIL41890 Authenticity & Implicit Attitudes

Spring Trimester

• PHIL40420 The Good Society
• PHIL40960 The Cultural Mind
• PHIL41350 Metaphysics
• PHIL41530 Reading & Research*
• PHIL41920 Love & Friendship in Early Modern Philosophy

*May be taken on its own in conjunction with one of our undergraduate modules in Philosophy by agreement with the Module Coordinator.

(C)  Dissertation

In addition, students must write a 12,000–15,000 word dissertation by mid-August. It is expected that students will choose a topic from contemporary European philosophy. Students are encouraged to discuss possible topics with their lecturers as early as possible.

Note: Part-time students must complete their dissertation in the second year.

(opens in a new window)Entry Requirements for Taught MA Programmes

• A BA with a 2:1 or above (a GPA of approx. 3·2) in Philosophy, or international equivalent
  
  or
  
  
• A Joint Major BA with a 2:1 in Philosophy and a 2:2 or above in the second subject and
• A Postgraduate Diploma with a 2:1 or above in Philosophy

However, all applications are assessed on a case by case basis, and so students with a 2:2 in Philosophy should also consider applying.

Required Application Documents and What We Look For 

1. Two academic references: These should be from academic referees who can speak to your promise as an MA student. Referees may send their letters directly to (opens in a new window)philosophy@ucd.ie or you can upload them to the portal, depending on your referees’ preference. 
2. Writing sample: A philosophical essay or paper of up to 3,000 words (for example, an undergraduate essay submitted as part of your undergraduate degree on a philosophical topic of your choice). We assess the quality of arguments, intellectual maturity, and clarity of style.
3. Statement of personal interest: A short statement (maximum 1,000 words) explaining your motivation for further study, research interests, and your reasons for applying to UCD School of Philosophy.
4. Academic transcripts: Official transcripts for all university-level study. These help us to evaluate your coursework performance, grades, and consistency of achievement.
5. Proof of English language proficiency: Fluency in written English is required. If you are not a native speaker of English and your secondary education or university degree has not been carried out in English, then you must have a minimum score of 6·5 IELTS (minimum of 6·0 in each band), and submit evidence of this in your application. Please consult this page for further details.