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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieThe M.Phil. in Philosophy is a broad and intellectually challenging postgraduate course for students with a background in philosophy or related disciplines with a strong philosophy component.
The wide-ranging curriculum is designed to enable students to understand what is distinctive about philosophical methodology, to critically engage with contemporary debates in the core systematic areas of philosophy and to combine modern historical scholarship with a rigorous contemporary philosophical approach.
The Masters is particularly relevant for students interested in pursuing further philosophical research. The programme focuses on developing the key skills required to undertake research in philosophy with students being exposed to a broad range of philosophical research expertise and guided through the process of developing a research idea and presenting their findings.
Students also learn invaluable writing, communication, analytical and critical thinking skills. These are transferrable skills which can be applied to further postgraduate study as well as a wide range of careers.
Philosophy graduates find that their ability to be analytical, to question assumptions and to be innovative thinkers opens up to a range of opportunities in fields as varied as teaching, journalism, media, advertising, law, finance and technology. This M.Phil. is also particularly relevant for students interested in pursuing further philosophical research.
The M.Phil. in Philosophy incorporates both taught and research components. Students take six taught modules, worth 60 ECTS, which work together to form an integrated foundation for cutting-edge contemporary philosophical research.
Small class sizes facilitate interactive seminar-style teaching, and there is an emphasis on regular and intensive contact between students and their lecturers. In addition, the research dissertation, which counts for 30 ECTS, is the culmination of the Masters programme with students receiving one-to-one supervisory support from an academic supervisor in the student’s chosen field.
Supervision will normally be given by full-time staff of the Department of Philosophy.
Students are required to take six taught modules, which may change from one year to the next depending on staff availability. Modules offered in recent years include: Introduction to Philosophical Research; Modern European Philosophy; Metaphysics; Ethics; Ancient Philosophy; and Development of Analytic Philosophy.
In addition, students must write a dissertation not exceeding 15,000 words
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
Introduction to the M.Phil. in Philosophy programme by Dr. James Miller and Dr. Pauline Sabrier at Trinity College Dublin.
September 2025
Lilian Alweiss
30th June 2025
An undergraduate degree at second-class level (2.1) or above (or equivalent) in Philosophy is the normal requirement, but applicants who can demonstrate a strong Philosophy component in their degree in a different discipline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
+353 (0)1 8961529
https://www.tcd.ie/philosophy/programmes/postgraduate/mphil-in-philosophy/
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
Being in an supportive community of world-class scholars has maximised my progress on my Ph.D. research, honed my teaching skills, and fostered my professional development. Combined with the intensive one-on-one supervision; numerous colloquiums, lecture series, and workshops; professional development events; and teaching opportunities, the Philosophy Department at Trinity has prepared me to complete my Ph.D. thesis, and for the competitive job market.
Graduate
While I was an M.Phil. student in the Philosophy Department, I felt like the faculty cared about me, were interested in my ideas, and wanted to help me do well. I was exposed to different areas in philosophy and encouraged to think about them in an in-depth way. I am now doing a Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame.
Graduate and Ph.D. student
