Philosophy

MA

  • Entry year 2026 or 2025
  • Duration Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years
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Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • World Top 100 QS World University Subject Rankings 2025 (Arts & Humanities)

  • Make professional contacts at our annual conference

  • Home of The Richardson Institute, the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK

At Lancaster we are experts in applying philosophical approaches to solving real-world problems. Join us to deepen your knowledge of philosophical traditions from around the world and develop your professional skills. Your high level of proficiency in debate, analysis and reflection will be key assets in your future career.

Why Lancaster?

  • Critically engage with diverse philosophy traditions from around the world, including under-represented voices and cultures
  • Adopt an applied approach and consider how philosophy can help us resolve pressing challenges in the modern world
  • Gain a strong and confident understanding of key philosophical concepts, methods and research skills
  • Become fluent in thinking critically and evaluating arguments – skills that will impress prospective employers
  • Choose a flexible programme that allows you to develop and research your own interests

Deep knowledge. Real-world skills.

What is philosophy? You will explore this question in depth, exploring the value of the subject along with key concepts, theories, methods and contemporary debates.

You will learn from our expert researchers, specialists in applied philosophy and in global and comparative philosophy. They will introduce you to classic texts in philosophy and to a rich range of philosophical traditions, voices, and methodologies from different cultures, genders and social contexts.

You’ll find out how Lancaster’s experts use philosophical methods not only to understand a problem but also to provide guidance for action or policy decisions.

You’ll develop a valuable skillset:

  • Think critically and rationally
  • Evaluate arguments
  • Assess evidence
  • Communicate confidently and convincingly
  • Apply philosophy to real-world contexts

These skills are useful across a broad range of different careers and will impress employers from interview onwards.

The freedom to explore

Core modules provide essential philosophical skills, while options allow you to explore and develop your own interests. You might want to develop expertise in political philosophy or Indian philosophy. Perhaps you’ll choose our independent study module to focus on any topic that sparks your interest.

Your course will culminate in an extended dissertation, where you’ll carry out in-depth research into the area of philosophy that interests you the most. This is a chance to hone and demonstrate advanced research and academic writing skills, under the expert guidance of an academic supervisor.

Careers

This programme attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, each contributing to the richness of our debates with their diverse experiences. You may be moving into the MA from any of a wide range of undergraduate subjects or returning to study after gaining professional experience.

As an MA Philosophy graduate, you will have a broad skillset that opens doors to many possible career paths. Advanced skills in critical thinking, evaluation and problem-solving are valued by employers. With a master’s degree from Lancaster University, you’ll be able to explore roles in several different sectors.

Our graduates go on to work in a diverse range of roles such as:

  • Policy analyst
  • Project manager
  • Policy maker
  • Advocate for social and environmental justice
  • Civil servant
  • Social researcher
  • Politician
  • Journalist
  • Teacher of higher education
  • Political advisor for think tank, political party or trade union
  • Public affairs consultant
  • Business manager or consultant

Alternatively, you might decide to carry on studying with a PhD – an excellent opportunity to specialise further and make your mark in this field of research.

Careers and employability support

Our degrees open up an extremely wide array of career pathways in businesses and organisations, large and small, in the UK and overseas. Our specialist Employability team is ready to support you, whether you are starting out your career after leaving higher education or returning to university to open up new career options.

We provide individual employability advice, application support, career events, development opportunities and resources to help you plan and achieve your career goals. We also run a paid internship scheme specifically for arts, humanities and social sciences students.

The Lancaster Award is available to all postgraduate taught students and recognises work experience, volunteering and personal development alongside your studies. Developed with employers, it helps you reflect on key skills, boost your CV and articulate your strengths with confidence.

Whether you have a clear idea of your potential career path or need some help considering the options, our friendly team is on hand.

Find out more about Lancaster’s careers events, extensive resources and personal support for Careers and Employability.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a related subject.

English language requirements

We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test.

We also consider other English language qualifications and if your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Help from our Admissions team

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.

We also have more details on our website about:

Pre-master's programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master's pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master's degrees. Visit INTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

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Optional

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Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

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Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2026-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. Find out more about our  Charter and student policies.