Programme structure: Philosophy (MA) - what's running in 2026/27

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

    This section describes which Units you will take in which year of study. It indicates which units are mandatory and where you will be able to choose. The overall pass marks you will need to achieve in order to progress or achieve an award are shown. The full regulations concerning progression and completion are held in the University's Regulations and Code of Practice. Any particular aspects of your programme that are unusual will be highlighted. If any Units are must pass this will be shown below. The linked unit specifications detail any additional requirements.

    What do the Levels represent?

    What do the teaching blocks (TB) mean?

    If you are selecting optional units, ensure that you have a balanced workload through the year.

  • Year 1 (2026/27)
Unit name Unit code Credit points Status Teaching Block
Dissertation PHILM0001 60 Mandatory AYEAR
Philosophical Foundations PHILM0052 40 Mandatory TB-4
If they wish, students can choose a pathway and take all units within the relevant pathway list or they can do a general Philosophy MA and choose from any of the optional philosophy units.
Philosophy (Ethics)
Themes in Ethics PHILM0032 20 Optional TB-2
Philosophy (Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics)
Philosophy and History of Mathematics PHILM0016 20 Optional TB-2
Axiomatic Set Theory MATHM1300 20 Optional TB-1
Philosophy (Philosophy of Biological and Cognitive Sciences)
Philosophy of Science PHILM0033 20 Optional TB-2
Philosophy of Biology PHILM0006 20 Optional TB-1
Philosophy of Psychology PHILM0020 20 Optional TB-1
Philosophy (Philosophy of Physics)
Philosophy of Physics PHILM0005 20 Optional TB-1
Advanced Philosophy of Physics PHILM0029 20 Optional TB-2
New Physics unit to be added
Philosophy (Political Philosophy)
Themes in Ethics PHILM0032 20 Optional TB-2
Choose 20 credits from the following three units:
Ethics of Migration and Citizenship PHILM0053 20 Optional TB-1
Political Economy PHILM0051 20 Optional TB-2
The Frankfurt School PHILM0048 20 Optional TB-2
Plus 40 - 60 credit points from the following:
Philosophy of Science PHILM0033 20 Optional TB-2
Philosophy and History of Mathematics PHILM0016 20 Optional TB-2
Philosophy of Biology PHILM0006 20 Optional TB-1
Philosophy of Physics PHILM0005 20 Optional TB-1
Probability and Rationality PHILM0049 20 Optional TB-1
Philosophy of Psychology PHILM0020 20 Optional TB-1
The Philosophy and History of Medicine PHILM0022 20 Optional TB-1
The Frankfurt School PHILM0048 20 Optional TB-2
Project PHILM0008 20 Optional TB-1,TB-2
Advanced Philosophy of Physics PHILM0029 20 Optional TB-2
Themes in Ethics PHILM0032 20 Optional TB-2
Philosophical Logic Project PHILM0034 20 Optional TB-1,TB-2
Evolution and Human Society PHILM0050 20 Optional TB-2
Political Economy PHILM0051 20 Optional TB-2
Ethics of Migration and Citizenship PHILM0053 20 Optional TB-1
MA Philosophy   180    

Award requirements

The pass mark set by the University for any level 7 unit is 50 out of 100.

For detailed rules on the award of credit, reassessment and award of a qualification please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.

Degree classifications:

A classification will be awarded in the following qualifications:

  • Taught postgraduate Masters degree, including a Master of Research (MRes)
  • Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications
  • Exit awards of Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates in designated programmes (as described in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.

A classification is not awarded for exit awards where students are required to withdraw from the programme on academic grounds.

The overall final programme mark is calculated as the average of all unit marks in the programme, weighted by credit point value.

The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:

  • Distinction = final programme mark of 70+
  • Merit = final programme mark of 60-69
  • Pass = final programme mark of 50-59
  • Fail = final programme mark of 49 or less

* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.

Diploma/certificate stages:

To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 100 must be at level 7.

To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level 7.

Related links