MRes Philosophy

The Master of Research is a taught programme, featuring four modules plus a workshop and a dissertation. That is, it is not a ‘Master’s by Research’, but a preparation for research, with a focus on training in good research habits. The aim is to prepare you for future independent research, and to give you the time and space to find a topic for further research, especially with a view to applying for the PhD.

During the autumn, a compulsory module explores different approaches and methodologies that figure in the various traditions of Western philosophy. The other modules are guided study and essay-writing with a supervisor. These involve matching your interests as far as possible with an available expert in the department, with whom you will agree on a sequence of tutorial deadlines. The typical procedure is that your tutor agrees an essay topic with you, then you research and write your essay for a deadline two weeks later. After you submit the essay, you will attend a tutorial to receive feedback, discuss and agree the next assignment, and so on (much like the Oxbridge teaching system).

In the first term you work with one tutor, and in the second term with two, working on two different areas or topics. For assessment you submit two of the essays you have written for each module, after revisions in light of the tutor’s comments.

In addition to the four taught modules, you will take part in a year-long research training workshop, where you and other students will give presentations and discuss your ideas with the PhD students and the taught MA students. From May to September, you write a substantial dissertation on a topic of your choice, agreed in consultation with the Course Director and under the guidance of a supervisor.

It is possible to replace a supervised study module with an appropriate taught MA module, or to work with your tutor on language training along with your essay work (for example, developing your ability in ancient Greek or German).