MA (Philosophy)

University of Galway

The progamme aims to enhance students’ ability to articulate the transformational value of philosophical thought with respect to basic conceptual frameworks and specific ethical, societal and political issues. In doing so, it seeks to develop an understanding of the relevance of philosophical thought in diverse areas of public life. It does all this through critical analysis of key concepts and debates in cutting-edge contemporary Philosophy from both Analytic and European/Continental traditions.Drawing on long traditions of philosophical thought, our modules aim to explore questions of values, forms of reasoning and modes of practice as they play out in personal, societal, and political contexts. The programme combines historical perspectives and contemporary critical debates to provide analytic and argumentative skills that are transferable into diverse areas of employment as well as being advantageous for further study in philosophy. A notable feature of the programme is that students are given the opportunity to organise a peer-reviewed international graduate conference. Within the Philosophy of Children component, students may have placement experience in Irish schools.This MA programme is committed to a vision of philosophy as deeply engaged with the world around us today. The programme has the objective of enhancing the skills of its graduates in identifying questions, analysing arguments and working towards developing sound and cogent ways of transformative thinking with respect to contemporary technologies, political systems and structures of rationality.Career OpportunitiesStudents on this course will graduate with a range of transferable skills such as Research and Investigative skills, Critical Reasoning, Communication skills, Facility with Arguments and Interpretive skills, which are valued by employers from a wide range of areas including consultancy, administration, cultural organisations, NGOs, public and social services, education, and journalism. It is also a great preparation for further PhD studies.