Ranking
1st
REF 2021 Grade point average
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Course overview
Prepare for your future at the forefront of global justice. Expand your knowledge of key global issues including international trade, climate change and terrorism.
You'll gain experience applying ethical theories to real-world situations which will prepare you for a PhD or a rewarding career in international affairs.
We also offer an on-campus programme over 1-2 years. Find out more about the on-campus MSc Global Ethics and Justice.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme part-time for up to 3 years.
Year 1, September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. Full-time students begin planning and submit a proposal for the dissertation during term one.
Part-time students normally take their core modules in their first year, usually in the autumn and spring terms.
Course highlights
You'll learn from our philosophy experts who research across subject boundaries in academic and practical settings. Their specialisms include: health and wellbeing, climate change and the environment, human rights and global justice, war and intervention, bioethics, and gender justice.
- Gain practical experience by taking part in a placement with an organisation of your choice, such as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
- Write a practice-based dissertation which responds to real world problems so you can prepare for your future career.
- Learn from philosophy experts who explore current ethical issues and how ethical theories impact our everyday lives.
- Join a diverse online community from around the world. Access virtual learning resources to discuss course content with your fellow students and tutors.
Global reputation for philosophy research.
Gain practical experience on the optional placement module.
Flexible range of modules.
Flexible study options
Develop your career without having to leave employment. You’ll be supported by a personal tutor and have opportunities to connect with fellow students. Choose the duration of study that works for you – from one year full-time to two or three years part-time.
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 and Global Ethics.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Delivered via distance learning using the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - all teaching takes place asynchronously. This means the resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.
- Dissertation - you can choose to undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you or you can undertake a practice-based dissertation involving a placement where you produce a practical output for your placement host. You’ll also write a 12,000-word report on your placement.
Please note: You can take both the Global Ethics Placement module and complete a practice-based dissertation, but we would normally expect you to undertake two separate placements in different institutions.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
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 |
|---|---|
| Dissertation or LM Practice-based dissertation | 60 |
| LM Ethics and Global Ethics | 20 |
| LM Topics in Global Justice | 20 |
| Research Skills and Methods (Distance Learning) | 20 |
Students choose 60 credits of Level M optional DL modules in Philosophy (see below). Contingent upon approval by the Programme Convenor, students are allowed to choose optional 40 credits of Level M optional DL modules in Theology and Religion, History, or International Development. Students should aim for an even credit balance across semesters.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Bioethics | 20 |
| LM Epistemology (DL) | 20 |
| LM God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life (Distance Learning) | 20 |
| LM Human Rights | 20 |
| LM Human Rights | 20 |
| LM I am, I feel | 20 |
| Philosophy and Mental Health | 20 |
Entry requirements
- 2:1 Honours degree
in Philosophy or a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Philosophy or a relevant subject. This can be a single or joint honours degree containing Philosophy.
If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you can still apply. We consider every application on its merits, and we’ll consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
We may also require you to submit a writing sample. This should be around 3-4 pages long. Although it does not need to be a Philosophy essay, you should demonstrate your ability to present an argument and write in an analytical style. These skills are necessary for postgraduate level Philosophy.
If you have been out of academia for some time, we will accept a professional reference and one academic reference, rather than the standard requirement for two academic references.
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
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
Please note: The part-time programme can be completed over up to three years, but fees are payable over two years; in each of years one and two, the fee payable will be half the full-time rate.
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
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.
The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 31 August 2025.
Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.
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.