Ranking
1st
Philosophy department REF 2021
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Course overview
Do you have philosophical questions that need answering? Carry out your own independent research as part of a vibrant community with a diverse range of interests and approaches. Complete essential training with our experts to support your project.
Design your own research project, supported by our supervisors with expertise across a range of philosophical topics. Gain the key tools to complete your project as an independent researcher through taught modules.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time on campus. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
Two-thirds of your degree is your research thesis. You'll begin conducting research and submit a proposal for your thesis during term one.
You will also take three taught modules over the course of terms one and two.
Course highlights
At Birmingham, we focus on philosophy with a real-world impact.
The MRes Philosophy allows you to develop the skills for both PhD study and a future career. You'll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in your topic of interest, and you’ll also study taught modules which develop your research and analytical skills.
- Enjoy flexibility and choose from a wide range of taught modules covering a variety of philosophical topics, allowing you to select options to best support your research project.
- Get involved with ongoing research activities, including research seminars and events such as our speaker series, various workshops, reading groups and conferences throughout the year.
- An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.
Number 1 Philosophy department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
Take advantage of expertise that goes across a wide variety of philosophical topics and subject boundaries.
Join a lively Department and contribute to ongoing research activities.
Broaden your perspective
We encourage research that goes across subject boundaries, such as how philosophy can help answer questions in theology, mental health, law and maths.
An MRes provides you with the training to become a confident independent researcher managing your own project.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Philosophy.
An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career. You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Research thesis– you'll undertake a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules and a research thesis. Modules run for one term, and you’ll take three modules during the MRes alongside your research thesis.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research skills and methods in Philosophy | 20 |
A choice of two modules from the whole range of optional M-level modules of the Philosophy Department. Representative examples are:
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £7,017
Full-time
- £3,509
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Before you make your application
Please refer to our six-step process on applying for PhD, MA by Research and MRes opportunities for Arts subject areas, which includes detailed advice on research proposals and how to write them.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Philosophy at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to articulate your ideas clearly, analytical skills, and the ability to present a strong argument.
Our Philosophy graduates enter many roles, including:
- Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Victims Adviser
- Policy Advisor
- Deputy HR Manager
- Tutor
Employers our Philosophy graduates have worked for include:
- Regional police forces
- University of Birmingham
- Migrant Help
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.