Master of Arts in Philosophy

Summary

Engage in advanced scholarship and contribute your own research to the existing knowledge in your field.

The MA offers you a range of choices. There are research and taught degrees, one-year or 18-month options depending on your possible qualification, and more than 40 subjects for study. Your academic background may enable you to study a subject different to that of your previous specialisation.

The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research project alongside some of New Zealand’s leading scholars.

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge in small classes, enjoy close interaction with academic staff, and complete a smaller research project.

Philosophy

Philosophy examines fundamental questions about human nature and our place in the world.

Philosophy uses reason to understand what we can know, what we ought to do, and what we might hope for. We also explore whether we can have knowledge about values and reality.

Where can Philosophy take you?

Studying Philosophy can develop your reasoning skills and your ability to analyse and critique arguments.

Philosophy graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers, including business, government, information technology, education and research.

What can you study in Philosophy?

Study opportunities reflect our research expertise, which includes the following:

• Ancient and medieval philosophy
• Continental European philosophy
• Ethics
• Political philosophy
• Philosophy of language
• Logic
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of the arts
• Philosophy of religion
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of science

Programme structure

A 120- or 180-point programme with research and taught options, depending on your chosen subject. The structure of your programme depends on the subject that you are studying.

Taught (180-point)

The Taught 180-point Master of Arts is set to be introduced for Semester 1, 2022. Once the programme is approved, applications will be open in Apply To Study.

Enter from an undergraduate degree

Advanced taught courses

A dissertation worth 60 points

One and a half years full-time or up to six years part-time

Research (120-point)

Enter from a postgraduate degree

Usually consists of a 120-point thesis or research portfolio

Some subjects offer a combination of a 90-point thesis and 30 points from taught courses

You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects

One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time

Taught (120-point)

Enter from a postgraduate degree

Advanced taught courses

A small research project such as a dissertation, usually worth 45 points

You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects

One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time

Only available in selected subjects

Where could this programme take you?

The MA is an effective way to develop your knowledge and transferable skills to an advanced level. Our graduates have taken their capabilities in strategic and critical thinking, communication and cultural awareness into careers in government, international development, museums and cultural heritage, research and policy.

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

Semester Two admission may not be available for some subjects.