Why study Philosophy at Keele University?
Course summary
If you would like to explore philosophical questions about right and wrong, truth and falsehood, the meaning of life, human beings, logic and language, or the nature of the universe, this research-based MRes will encourage you to think critically about the world around us, while developing skills in rigorous analysis, sound argument and persuasive communication.
The questioning nature of philosophy and its relevance to society today makes for interesting and sometimes controversial debate in class. Whether you're set on doing a PhD or have never studied philosophy before, this course will allow you to broaden your knowledge of philosophy, gaining a deeper understanding of key philosophical texts, as well as developing practical research skills and abilities through our dedicated research training.
This course is ideal for students who want the freedom to write a dissertation on a topic of their choice, while also receiving the guidance expected of a taught masters. From the outset, you will be paired with an experienced supervisor to support your personal and professional development, working together to refine your individual research, writing and communications skills, for example, preparing successful research proposals and grant applications.
Keele has a long standing and excellent reputation for the study of Philosophy: well-known Keele philosophers include Antony Flew, Richard Swinburne, Jonathan Dancy, and many others. You’ll join a vibrant, close-knit community where you’ll have access to friendly and approachable staff with research expertise in all the main areas of philosophy, as well as specialisms like metaphilosophy, Kant, modality, property theory, the philosophy of technology, the philosophy of history, the meaning of life, Schopenhauer, Collingwood, and political philosophy.
In addition to the dedicated Keele Postgraduate Association, we have a thriving student-led Philosophy Society, a postgraduate research seminar, and regular reading group activities. You’ll have opportunities to attend frequent online or in-person guest lectures thanks to our Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series, annual conference and other specialist research events. Previous talks, for example, have covered early modern theories of racism in history of philosophy, the philosophy of art, the philosophy of time, and a debate on the existence of free will.
Given its focus on research, the MRes provides an excellent foundation for further research as an MPhil or PhD student in the UK, Europe or the rest of the world. If you’ve not yet decided on a firm career, it offers an opportunity to study a fascinating subject and develop essential problem-solving, critical thinking, reasoning and analytical skills.