ma philosophy by research

this ma programme is a continuation of the project established by the late sir roger scruton at the university of buckingham. it is a one-year, london-based programme of ten evening seminars and individual research.

the course consists of three modules which revolve around topics and areas of research that were central to the work of roger scruton. guest lectures are provided by outstanding academics and internationally renowned philosophers.

each seminar takes place at the reform club, pall mall, central london and is followed by a dinner during which participants can engage in discussion with the course director and guest lecturer. due to covid-19 we have decided to hold seminars online for as long as necessary to keep the students, the guest lecturer and us safe, but it’s our wish to meet at the reform club as soon as possible.

examination will be by a research dissertation on an approved philosophical topic chosen by the student, of around 25,000 words. guidance and personal supervision will be provided.

course director: dr. alicja gescinska.

deputy director: prof. dr. raymond tallis.

for further details contact:
humanities research admissions on +44 (0)1280 827514
email: humanitiespg-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk

entry requirements

the minimum entry level required for this course is as follows:

• a first or upper second-class honours degree from a recognised university or,
• a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience.

in cases where candidates are applying on the basis of work experience, they may be asked to complete a short written assignment and/or attend an interview as part of the applications process.

mature students

age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students. due to their flexibility, our london-based mas by research attract a wide variety of applicants from a range of backgrounds, including people in full-time employment and retirees. our current students range in age from 21 to 75.

international students

we are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

the university is a ukvi student sponsor.

english levels

if english is not your first language, please check our postgraduate english language requirements. if your english levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our pre-sessional english language foundation programmes.

selection process

candidates apply online, sending in their supporting documents, and will be assessed on this basis by the programme director.  the programme director or admissions assistant will be happy to answer any enquiries.

terms and conditions for prospective students

when you are offered a place at the university you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the university and students on our courses of study. when you accept an offer of a place on the course at the university a legal contract is formed between you and the university on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting any offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

introduction

1. the purpose of philosophy: the point(less)ness of philosophy (online): Alicja Gescinska & Raymond Tallis, 22nd october

module 1: key problems in philosophy

2. idealism vs materialsm (online): james tartaglia, 17th december
3. persons and brains (online): raymond tallis, 12th november
4. truth and quasi-realism: simon blackburn, 14th january

module 2: human nature

5. love: the ultimate human value?  simon may,  11th february
6. guilt and responsibility: theodore dalrymple, 11th march
7. god, value and nature: fiona ellis, 25th march

module 3: aesthetics

8. morality in music: alicja gescinska, 8th april
9. kant’s aesthetics: sebastian gardner, 13th may
10.   taste and judgement: barry smith, 10th june

see the humanities curriculum handbook for further course details.

the university’s course directors, students’ supervisors, and the research officer and tutor for graduate students are available to discuss students’ post-graduation plans and how they may utilise most effectively the skills acquired during their studies.

please note that the university of buckingham has four terms per year. the tuition fees quoted are for the degree (e.g. if you start a degree at buckingham in january 2018, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in september 2018). students will pay the same termly fee for the duration of their studies, unless studies are interrupted and resumed later. the tuition fee quoted is therefore the total cost of the degree.

please see here for associate student fees or associate student fees for international students.

postgraduate loan scheme

a new system of postgraduate loans for masters degrees in the uk was introduced in august 2016 with support from the uk government. the loan will provide up to £10,609 for taught and research masters courses in all subject areas. the loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.  Find out more >>

scholarships

details of scholarships can be found on our main bursaries and scholarships page. you should make an application to study at the university and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.

you may also find it useful to visit our external funding page.

due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in university accommodation during your degree.

however, if you require short-term accommodation in buckingham we would be happy to provide a list of local bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. alternatively, please contact our accommodation office for advice.

apply directly

you can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.

help and support

if you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. we are available between 09:00 and 17:00, monday to friday.

you may find it useful to download these great tips from which university? on writing your personal statement.

if you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact admissions using the form below.