Go to…
Study a broad range of topics covering everything from pre-Socrates to the present day in a department consistently rated among the top philosophy departments in the UK.
The course covers all major areas of philosophy both contemporary and historical and is suited both to philosophy graduates to expand their philosophical knowledge, and to students with first degrees in related subjects to introduce them to key concepts, arguments and texts from across the philosophical spectrum.
Application status Open
Duration One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Study mode Full-time, Part-time
Credit value UK 180/ECTS 90
Course intake No set number.
Course leaders Dr John Callanan
Dr John Callanan
Course contact for further information Postgraduate Admissions Team, Admissions Office tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 7000 fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Postgraduate Admissions Team, Admissions Office tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 7000 fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Course contact form Postgraduate admissions
Awarding institution King's College London
Faculty Faculty of Arts & Humanities
Department Department of Philosophy
Explore campuses
Watch our short video to find out more about our Philosophy master's course at King's
Watch more videos
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, our General Philosophy module will introduce you to key texts, concepts and arguments from across the philosophical spectrum. This module, along with 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. Sixty of these 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 20 credits; General Philosophy is the exception; it spans both semesters and is worth 40. If you do not have a background in Philosophy, we will normally expect you to take this module. It will introduce you to basic philosophical methods, techniques and terminology, and it will acquaint you with some of the most important and influential writings on the subject.
Otherwise, you will have a completely free choice of modules, although you should note that some modules are likely to be more accessible to students without a philosophical background, while others, particularly the more specialised ‘topics’-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 40 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.
TeachingYou will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
AssessmentYour performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include exams and coursework essays. Coursework contributes approximately 70% and examinations approximately 30% to your final mark although this will vary based on the modules chosen.
LocationThis 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.
Regulating bodyKing's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
In addition, you are required to take 120 credits from a range of optional modules which may typically include:
If you do not have a background in Philosophy, you are normally expected to take the 40-credit General Philosophy module.
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.
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.
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £70 applies.
With your application form, you must include a sample of written work totalling approximately 3,000 words. We do not routinely interview applicants, but we may call you for interview; and you are very welcome to call the department to arrange a visit. We aim to process all complete applications within four to six weeks, although this may take longer over holiday periods.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
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.
We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Our first application deadline is the 31 March 2020. After this date, applications will remain open if places are available, but programmes will be closed as soon as they are full. For programmes with spaces remaining, no further applications will be accepted from non-EU (Overseas) nationals after 31July 2020 or from UK/EU nationals after 28 August 2020.
Please note you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline and places are filled before the final deadlines above and we are unable to process more offers.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.
Students starting their programme in 2020/21 who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.
The UK/EU deposit is £500.
The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000.
Additional costs/expenses
In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for:
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.
I chose King's College London because I wanted to study at a top university. It offers a world-class education as you are taught by renowned teachers in fantastic facilities and this explains its international reputation.
Full list of student events
Learn more about postgraduate degree programmes at King's. Download our guide in PDF format or order a copy.
Download guide
Order guide
Receive email updates about our courses, events, fees and funding, studying in London, how to apply and more.
Sign up
Browser does not support script.