Course description
The University of London MA in Philosophy is one of the most highly respected such degrees in Britain. The programme is regulated by the University of London Philosophy Subject Panel which sets the syllabus for all the courses making up the degree, provides an intercollegiate lecture programme covering all the subjects examined and arranges the examinations. It is academically rigorous and yet can be taken by those with a first degree in philosophy or by those who have not studied the subject before. Students who do not have a first degree in philosophy or a closely related subject are required to take the ‘General’ paper which covers broad areas of philosophy and then two other options chosen from the list given below. Students who have a philosophical background can choose any three papers. The range of courses available varies from year to year, but will almost invariably include the following:
-General Philosophy
-Logic and Metaphysics
-Epistemology and Methodology
-Philosophy of Mind
-Ethics
-Political Philosophy
-Philosophy of Religion
-Philosophy of Psychology
-Arabic Philosophy
-Early Modern Philosophy
-Philosophy of Science
-Aesthetics
-Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle
-Philosophy of Language
-Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
-Gender and Philosophy
The University of London has the largest faculty of philosophy in Britain and one of the largest in Europe and Heythrop, by itself, has twelve full time teachers in philosophy as well as numerous part time staff. Heythrop prides itself on individual tuition for students and all tutoring will be done by Heythrop staff which are available to provide help and advice if required. Heythrop is the specialist college of the University of London specialising in Philosophy and Theology and has probably the largest library in its field in Britain. Although one of the smallest London University Colleges, Heythrop is nevertheless a full College of the University in exactly the same way as every other College – but it also has a long and impressive history. It was founded in 1614 and, although it has moved a number of times, it has been part of the University of London since 1970.
The philosophy department includes well known academics whose books have been published in a number of languages. All share a passion for their subjects and a commitment to academic excellence and an open-minded search for truth and understanding. Between them, the faculty covers a wide range of specialisations. Students who study for the MA in Philosophy at Heythrop come from a wide range of backgrounds but share a common interest and drive. Many students choose to come to additional lectures that take place in the course of the academic year.
