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MA Contemporary European Philosophy

MA (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The MA Contemporary European Philosophy is sutied to students interested in Contemporary European philosophy also known as "Continental" philosophy. Taught by expert academics - UCD School of Philsophy is ranked in the top 100 Schools in the world according to QS World Rankings 2024.  

The  MA in Contemporary European Philosophy Programme draws on the three main specialisations within UCD School of Philosophy including German Idealism and Post-Kantian Philosophy, Phenomenology and Critical Theory.

Topics treated in the modules include transcendental and absolute idealism and subjectivity, intentionality and being in the world, embodiment and otherness, critique of ideology, autonomy and recognition, feminism and gender theory.

About This Course

On successful completion of the programme graduates will:

  1. Have an understanding of the central ideas and key texts in contemporary European Philosophy including twentieth century phenomenology and/or critical theory;
  2. Have developed their own arguments and ideas with respect to these questions and approaches;
  3. Have the capacity to read and interpret difficult philosophical texts;
  4. Have the capacity to communicate clear lines of argument precisely and succinctly.

Philosophy graduates work in diverse fields including Media, Publishing, Public Policy, Education, Politics, Law, Journalism, Research And Further Study.
Graduates of UCD School of Philosophy have continued to have successful academic careers in Ireland, UK and the US. Others are prominent playwrights, journalists, human-rights activists, broadcasters, film-makers and musicians.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHIL40030 Dissertation Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL41240 John Henry Newman - Philosophical Perspectives Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL41840 Invention of the Modern Self Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL41330 Philosophy of Time Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must select 4 modules from this list.
 PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL41890 Authenticity and Implicit Attitudes Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL40410 Philosophy & Literature Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL40960 The Cultural Mind Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL40970 Topics in Philosophy of Mind and Cognition Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL41330 Philosophy of Time Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL41660 Moral Agency Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Student should choose 2 modules from this list
 PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche Spring  10

Jacqueline Fitzgerald O’Callaghan
Graduate, MA In Contemporary European Philosophy 2022

Studying for a master’s degree in Contemporary European philosophy at UCD was intensely rewarding. Without a doubt I can attest that the school of philosophy is hugely supportive and the efficient administrative staff are always on hand to help.

In essence the MA programme offered an exciting opportunity to explore multitudinous philosophies whilst developing one’s own ideas and opinions within an environment of respectful inclusion. We students were expected and encouraged to develop and present well-backed up, well-informed arguments and to engage in lively debate. I particular liked how the MA programme fostered a culture of critical reflection which did not necessarily involve rejection of opposing viewpoints but rather encouraged us to honestly assess their strengths and weaknesses.

My experiences as a post-graduate student have encouraged me to continue to explore the field. Recently I had the honour of taking part in a discussion panel regarding the merits of bringing philosophy to primary school children, and have instigated philosophy workshops for secondary students.

Contemporary European Philosophy pervades our lives and the MA programme at UCD is to be lauded.

MA Contemporary European Philosophy (W456) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10350
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MA Contemporary European Philosophy (W457) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5600
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Applicants must have at least a 2.1 (GPA of 3.08 or above) or international equivalent in an undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8) that involves a significant amount of philosophy. 

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MA Contemporary European Philosophy:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W456
MA Contemporary European Philosophy
Master of Arts
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W457
MA Contemporary European Philosophy
Master of Arts
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W456
MA Contemporary European Philosophy
Master of Arts
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W457
MA Contemporary European Philosophy
Master of Arts
Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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