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The University of Reading is in the top 125 in the world for History, Philosophy and Theology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
We offer you the opportunity to develop your own research projects and also provide you with the training necessary to study at a doctoral level, should you wish to take your study even further.
A wide range of expertise and interdisciplinary approach makes our Department an exciting place to pursue your Master’s. We have expertise in many areas, including moral philosophy, philosophy of language, epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, philosophy of religion, Wittgenstein, Aristotle, and Aquinas.
Our teaching is grounded in our research, which means you will study cutting-edge philosophy from leading experts
A thriving and welcoming Department awaits you. You will engage in discussion and debate with renowned philosophers from a broad range of areas of expertise, in a supportive environment.
In this film, Emily Taylor discusses why she chose to study her MRes Philosophy at Reading.
We are proud of our high-calibre research and our international reputation for excellence. Our interdisciplinary research relates to current problems such as how to understand pain, how to distinguish life from non-life, and the application of empirical work in linguistics and psychology to current philosophical problems.
Get involved in major conferences hosted by our Department. These include an annual conference sponsored by Ratio, an international journal of analytic philosophy edited in the Department.
Our location between Oxford and London means you can also take advantage of the wealth of philosophy events at these two leading centres of research.
A philosophy degree gives you the opportunity to develop a broad range of essential skills that are desirable to employers in a range of fields.
94% of graduates from the Department of Philosophy are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; all responders from Philosophy)
Among other skills, you will learn how to:
Past graduates have worked for KPMG, the Civil Service, IBM, PwC, Lloyds, museums, charities, schools and universities, or have pursued PhD research.
Some have entered the highest levels of politics, the U.N., and multinational corporations. Others have started their own businesses or trained as lawyers. The possibilities for a philosophy graduate are vast.
A master's degree builds on the skills which you develop as an undergraduate and introduces you to a new level of research skills and independent study. By the end of your master's, you will have all of the knowledge and abilities required to move on to doctoral studies.
Our staff will be happy to provide guidance in your application to a doctoral programme, whether at Reading or elsewhere.
You will be part of a thriving, dynamic community of students and staff, who will welcome you to the university and support you throughout your time with us and beyond.
You will have opportunities to collaborate with academics and other students during regular seminars, reading groups and events organised by the student-run Philosophy Society.
Broaden your knowledge through a variety of learning methods, critically engage in our weekly philosophical seminars and learn from your fellow students and academics.
Silvia Lazzaris
MA Philosophy
Our academic staff are experts in a wide variety of philosophical topics, with particular strengths in moral philosophy, philosophy of language, metaphysics, Aristotle, Aquinas, Wittgenstein, and aesthetics including the philosophy of film.