MA in Philosophy and Literature

Course details

The MA in Philosophy and Literature is a taught programme, which is designed to provide an additional postgraduate academic qualification for graduates in the areas of Philosophy and English, and to give students a sense of the interdisciplinarity between the areas of Philosophy and English.

It is also designed to develop a sense of critical thinking in both areas and to facilitate critical engagement with contemporary issues and problems.

The programme may lead to doctoral study in the field for suitably qualified graduates.

Aim of the Programme

The objectives of the programme are:

• To provide an additional postgraduate academic qualification for graduates in the areas of Philosophy and Literature
• To give a sense of the interdisciplinarity between the areas of Philosophy and Literature
• To develop a sense of critical thinking in both areas and to facilitate critical engagement with contemporary issues and problems
• To introduce the techniques and strategies for study and research at postgraduate level.

Entry Requirements for Taught MA in Philosophy and Literature

The minimum qualification is normally a second-class honours degree, grade two, in either of the two subjects, or in a cognate area. In exceptional circumstances applications may be considered from those with an approved equivalent qualification. Candidates may be required to attend for interview.

Programme Structure and Content

The MA programme consists of six taught modules. Students will aditionally complete a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words on an approved topic. They will also be required to attend a series of postgraduate research methodology seminars as part of the preparation and presentation of dissertations and to submit dissertations by the stipulated deadlines.

The MA in Philosophy and Literature can be studied FULL TIME or PART TIME.

FULL TIME MODE

Autumn Semester (September - January)

• Philosophy and the Subject: From the Modern to the Post-Modern
• The Value of Literary and Cultural Theory
• The Contemporary Crisis of Experience
• Dissertation

Spring Semester (February - August )

• Language, Symbol and Symbolism
• Contemporary Postcolonial Theory and Literature
• Introduction to Hermeneutics
• Dissertation

PART TIME MODE

Year I

Autumn Semester (September - January)

• Philosophy and the Subject: From the Modern to the Post-Modern
• The Value of Literary and Cultural Theory
• The Contemporary Crisis of Experience

Spring Semester (February - August )

• Language, Symbol and Symbolism
• Contemporary Postcolonial Theory and Literature
• Introduction to Hermeneutics

Year II

• Dissertation

• Modules may, as resource demands dictate, occasionally be replaced by one or more approved substitute modules in the area. These include: Existentialism and Literary Realism, Literary Aesthetics, and Visiting Faculty Module.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods will be used: essays, projects, course work and written examinations. The taught modules will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment, written assignments and end-of-semester examinations.

The dissertation (18 credits) will form half of the final assessment, and the six taught modules (18 credits) will form the other half of this assessment.