
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Our degree offers students a distinctively broad scope of topics ranging from pre-Socrates to the present day. This programme is suited both to philosophy graduates to expand their philosophical grounding, and to students with first degrees in related subjects to introduce them to key concepts, arguments and texts from across the philosophical spectrum, while bringing them up to a high level in selected specialist areas.
“Whilst pursuing a legal career, I began to consider how the governance of technology cannot be disentangled from ethics and so decided to build on this by pursuing an MA in Philosophy at King’s”
This course is suited both to students with an undergraduate philosophy degree and to those moving into philosophy from another subject at undergraduate level. If you are a graduate of philosophy, we will consolidate and improve your existing knowledge, and provide you with a firm foundation for subsequent independent research. If you are a conversion student, your choice of optional subjects will prepare you for further research in philosophy. Over the duration of the course you will earn a total of 180 credits. 120 of these credits will come from modules taken in Terms 1 and 2. Conversion students are expected to take the General Philosophy Module (15 credits) in Term 1. The remaining 60 of these credits will come from a dissertation of around 12,000 words, which you will complete over the Summer at the end of the course. If you satisfactorily complete the course before the dissertation, you can exit the course without completing a dissertation and we will award you a Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy on the basis of your 120 credits. You will earn your initial 120 credits through your choice of optional modules. You will take most of these in your first or second semester, and they are each worth 15 credits. You will have a free choice of modules, although there is a cap of around 15 students on each module. You should note that some modules are likely to be more accessible to students without a philosophical background, while others, particularly the more specialised topic-based modules, might appeal more to those who do already have a grounding in the field. Optional modules are mostly taught through two hours of lectures and seminars every week. If you gain permission, you may take up to 30 credits from modules outside the Department of Philosophy. You will complete the course in one year, from September to September. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in Philosophy or any other field. Conversion students should show evidence of an interest in and aptitude for the subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
With your application form, you must include a sample of written work totalling approximately 3,000 words.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 500 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
Writing Sample | Yes |
Please also supply a writing sample of approximately 3,000 words with your application. The writing sample need not be a philosophy essay, as any writing that demonstrates clarity of thought and critical thinking skills can suffice. However, an essay that provided evidence of interest in philosophical concepts and argumentation would be advantageous. |
Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. |
Over the duration of the course you will earn a total of 180 credits. 120 of these credits will come from modules taken in Terms 1 and 2. Conversion students are expected to take the General Philosophy Module (15 credits) in Term 1. The remaining 60 of these credits will come from a dissertation of around 12,000 words, which you will complete over the Summer at the end of the course. If you satisfactorily complete the course before the dissertation, you can exit the course without completing a dissertation and we will award you a Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy on the basis of your 120 credits.
You will earn your initial 120 credits through your choice of optional modules. You will take most of these in your first or second semester, and they are each worth 15 credits.
You will have a free choice of modules, although there is a cap of around 15 students on each module. You should note that some modules are likely to be more accessible to students without a philosophical background, while others, particularly the more specialised topic-based modules, might appeal more to those who do already have a grounding in the field.
Optional modules are mostly taught through two hours of lectures and seminars every week. If you gain permission, you may take up to 30 credits from modules outside the Department of Philosophy. You will complete the course in one year, from September to September. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
Teaching
You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. 16% of your time will be spent in scheduled learning and teaching activities with the remaining 84% in independent study.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
If you are a full-time student, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
If you are a part-time student, you will complete your course in two years, and you are required to gain 40 to 80 credits (but normally 60 or 80) in your first year, and then 100 to 140 (but normally 100 to 120, including 60 from the dissertation) in your second. If you take General Philosophy, you must take it in your first year. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus, in the heart of central London, putting you close to all our facilities and within easy reach of the cultural attractions of the Southbank and Covent Garden. The library and computing facilities are easily accessible, together with the opportunity to use the University of London library at Senate House.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. The coursework essay is the mode of assessment on most modules with written exams on some. The form of assessment for each module will be specified when you select your modules.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Those converting in from other subjects at undergraduate level will be strongly encouraged to take ‘General Philosophy’ as one of their options, although this will not be made strictly compulsory:
Students are required to make up the total of 120 credits from a range of optional modules. In any average year over 20 of the following modules may be on offer. Individual modules are not guaranteed to be running each year, and students should identify at least 10 of the following in order to avoid disappointment. Optional modules may typically include:
Up to 30 credits from a range of Master’s modules offered across King’s College London (including up to 15 credits from Graduate Language Modules offered by King’s Modern Language Centre) or at University College London or Birkbeck, subject to approvals.
There are a limited number of spaces available on each optional module, and you will have the opportunity to discuss your choices with your personal tutor.
Part time study
In Year 1 you will take between 30 to 90 credits of optional modules, taking the remaining credits in Year 2. Dissertation will be taken in year 2.
You may also select up to 30 credits from a range of Master’s modules offered across King’s College London (including up to 15 credits from Graduate Language Modules offered by King’s Language Centre) or at University College London or Birkbeck, subject to approvals.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Our graduates usually continue on to further research, but many have also entered the fields of teaching, management and the financial or the public sectors.
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
This course is suited both to students with an undergraduate philosophy degree and to those moving into philosophy from another subject at undergraduate level. If you are a graduate of philosophy, we will consolidate and improve your existing knowledge, and provide you with a firm foundation for subsequent independent research. If you are a conversion student, your choice of optional subjects will prepare you for further research in philosophy. Over the duration of the course you will earn a total of 180 credits. 120 of these credits will come from modules taken in Terms 1 and 2. Conversion students are expected to take the General Philosophy Module (15 credits) in Term 1. The remaining 60 of these credits will come from a dissertation of around 12,000 words, which you will complete over the Summer at the end of the course. If you satisfactorily complete the course before the dissertation, you can exit the course without completing a dissertation and we will award you a Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy on the basis of your 120 credits. You will earn your initial 120 credits through your choice of optional modules. You will take most of these in your first or second semester, and they are each worth 15 credits. You will have a free choice of modules, although there is a cap of around 15 students on each module. You should note that some modules are likely to be more accessible to students without a philosophical background, while others, particularly the more specialised topic-based modules, might appeal more to those who do already have a grounding in the field. Optional modules are mostly taught through two hours of lectures and seminars every week. If you gain permission, you may take up to 30 credits from modules outside the Department of Philosophy. You will complete the course in one year, from September to September. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in Philosophy or any other field. Conversion students should show evidence of an interest in and aptitude for the subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
With your application form, you must include a sample of written work totalling approximately 3,000 words.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 500 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
Writing Sample | Yes |
Please also supply a writing sample of approximately 3,000 words with your application. The writing sample need not be a philosophy essay, as any writing that demonstrates clarity of thought and critical thinking skills can suffice. However, an essay that provided evidence of interest in philosophical concepts and argumentation would be advantageous. |
Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. |
Over the duration of the course you will earn a total of 180 credits. 120 of these credits will come from modules taken in Terms 1 and 2. Conversion students are expected to take the General Philosophy Module (15 credits) in Term 1. The remaining 60 of these credits will come from a dissertation of around 12,000 words, which you will complete over the Summer at the end of the course. If you satisfactorily complete the course before the dissertation, you can exit the course without completing a dissertation and we will award you a Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy on the basis of your 120 credits.
You will earn your initial 120 credits through your choice of optional modules. You will take most of these in your first or second semester, and they are each worth 15 credits.
You will have a free choice of modules, although there is a cap of around 15 students on each module. You should note that some modules are likely to be more accessible to students without a philosophical background, while others, particularly the more specialised topic-based modules, might appeal more to those who do already have a grounding in the field.
Optional modules are mostly taught through two hours of lectures and seminars every week. If you gain permission, you may take up to 30 credits from modules outside the Department of Philosophy. You will complete the course in one year, from September to September. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
Teaching
You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. 16% of your time will be spent in scheduled learning and teaching activities with the remaining 84% in independent study.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
If you are a full-time student, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
If you are a part-time student, you will complete your course in two years, and you are required to gain 40 to 80 credits (but normally 60 or 80) in your first year, and then 100 to 140 (but normally 100 to 120, including 60 from the dissertation) in your second. If you take General Philosophy, you must take it in your first year. You should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus, in the heart of central London, putting you close to all our facilities and within easy reach of the cultural attractions of the Southbank and Covent Garden. The library and computing facilities are easily accessible, together with the opportunity to use the University of London library at Senate House.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. The coursework essay is the mode of assessment on most modules with written exams on some. The form of assessment for each module will be specified when you select your modules.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Those converting in from other subjects at undergraduate level will be strongly encouraged to take ‘General Philosophy’ as one of their options, although this will not be made strictly compulsory:
Students are required to make up the total of 120 credits from a range of optional modules. In any average year over 20 of the following modules may be on offer. Individual modules are not guaranteed to be running each year, and students should identify at least 10 of the following in order to avoid disappointment. Optional modules may typically include:
Up to 30 credits from a range of Master’s modules offered across King’s College London (including up to 15 credits from Graduate Language Modules offered by King’s Modern Language Centre) or at University College London or Birkbeck, subject to approvals.
There are a limited number of spaces available on each optional module, and you will have the opportunity to discuss your choices with your personal tutor.
Part time study
In Year 1 you will take between 30 to 90 credits of optional modules, taking the remaining credits in Year 2. Dissertation will be taken in year 2.
You may also select up to 30 credits from a range of Master’s modules offered across King’s College London (including up to 15 credits from Graduate Language Modules offered by King’s Language Centre) or at University College London or Birkbeck, subject to approvals.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Our graduates usually continue on to further research, but many have also entered the fields of teaching, management and the financial or the public sectors.
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
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