/prod01/channel_3/media/tcd/philosophy/images/mphil-banner-1.jpg)
Yufei Zhu | 2019
What sparked your interest in pursuing the MPhil in Philosophy at Trinity?
I searched online and found Trinity has a very reputable philosophy department and a high QS ranking. After reading about the course, I felt that Trinity’s MPhil would be suited to me, so I applied and got accepted.
Were there any particular modules, professors, or experiences that stood out to you?
Definitely! When I checked the official website, I liked the curriculum design a lot. As my undergrad major was political science, I hoped to receive a wide-ranged philosophical training, and the modules provided by the philosophy department in Trinity were perfect for me.
Last but not least, Professor Lilian Alweiss definitely stood out when I applied. I was very interested in phenomenology and German philosophy, especially Husserl and Kant. Lilian is an expert on both. She is one of the most important reasons for me to study at Trinity.
What are you doing now that you have completed the programme?
I'm currently working as a project manager in Xishuangbanna Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. My research group works on megafauna ecology and conservation, with a group of international scholars.
The MPhil broadened my thinking and influenced the way I approach my current work. It also helped me integrate into the global research community.
What advice would you offer to those interested in applying?
I think Trinity’s MPhil is really good, especially for those who are not from an entirely philosophical background. It is challenging, and I would suggest those who are interested to look closely at the curriculum design, and their potential supervisor, and embrace the challenge if they decide to apply.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience in the MPhil programme or your journey since graduating?
It was a unique and memorable experience to do an MPhil at Trinity. As the only non-native speaker in my class, the efforts required were huge, but so was the reward. I hope more Chinese students come to Trinity for the philosophy programmes.
Matthew Price | 2023
What sparked your interest in pursuing the MPhil in Philosophy at Trinity?
I loved studying Philosophy as an undergrad at Oxford, but I also split my time between Politics and Economics so I wasn’t able to focus on Philosophy as much as I would have liked. Once I decided I wanted to do a Masters, I thought it was time to come home to Dublin having spent a few years away.
Were there any particular modules, professors, or experiences that stood out to you?
The breadth of modules at Trinity stood out to me more than any particular one, although Alison Fernandes’ metaphysics seminar was definitely a highlight.
What are you doing now that you have completed the programme?
I have taken a break from Philosophy for the time being, and I now work in political research in London.
What advice would you offer to those interested in applying?
I would advise anyone interested in the programme to be sure that they are interested in (or at least open to) the full range of subjects that are covered.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience in the MPhil programme or your journey since graduating?
One unexpected benefit of the MPhil was the degree to which it made me a better writer. That was a pleasant surprise!
Jack Ryan | 2023
What sparked your interest in pursuing the MPhil in Philosophy at Trinity?
Having finished my B.A. in Philosophy at TCD in 1998 and taken a (significant) break, I had always hoped to return to Graduate study in the department someday. The MPhil was the perfect vehicle for doing just that.
Were there any particular modules, professors, or experiences that stood out to you?
Having had such a comprehensive introduction to Ancient Philosophy and Metaphysics at undergraduate level, it was an exciting prospect to see the opportunities to study those areas in detail again as part of the MPhil. Adding to this, Professor Vasilis Politis, who had supervised my undergraduate dissertation, is still teaching Ancient Philosophy, and once again he supervised my MPhil thesis.
What are you doing now that you have completed the programme?
I am still in the Philosophy department at TCD, in the first year of the PhD programme.
What advice would you offer to those interested in applying?
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend applying for the MPhil programme. It is designed to give exposure to a very wide range of topics, while allowing for specialisation in specific modules, particularly through the dissertation. The depth of expertise in the department means there is scope to focus on pretty much any area in Philosophy.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience in the MPhil programme or your journey since graduating?
Applying for the MPhil after 24 years away was a big step, but it has paid dividends across the board. The MPhil has been a perfect springboard into the PhD programme, as well as having been a thoroughly worthwhile programme in itself.