To apply to any of our taught Master's programmes you will need to complete the online application form. Before doing that you may wish to make contact with the convenor of the programme(s) you are interested in to discuss your application. You can find details of the convenors of each programme on the Degree Programmes information pages.

We encourage you to visit the department, try to attend one of the MA seminar classes being taught, and take every opportunity to meet with faculty and current postgraduate students at the various research events/seminars we hold weekly to get a sense of what it is like to be a postgraduate student in the Philosophy department. Please contact the relevant course convenor for each of our Master's programmes (MA ContinentalLink opens in a new window, MA PhilosophyLink opens in a new window, MA Philosophy and the ArtsLink opens in a new window) to arrange. You can also arrange an independent visit.

Once you have done this, you should complete the online application form, making sure you submit the requested writing samples and urging your referees to submit their references as soon as possible.

Entry Requirements

In order to make a decision on your application, we will need to see relevant documents that demonstrate you meet our entry requirements, including your previous transcripts. You should supply these electronically in the first instance; if you receive an official offer, Admissions will tell you precisely which original hard copies are required to secure an unconditional offer. When you submit your application, you will receive a link where you can upload your documents for review.

• Upper-second class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in Philosophy or with a significant philosophical component. Please contact the relevant degree convenor if in doubt as to whether your degree meets these requirements. Warwick's International Office provides guidelines for how overseas qualifications equate to UK ones; this guidance is for information only and all applications and transcripts are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, this page will give you an idea of where your degree falls on the British scale.
• A strong academic reference. You are required to supply at least one academic reference; however, in Philosophy we prefer receiving two references, so we ask that you supply contact details for two referees. When you apply, you will be able to supply your referees' contact details, and we will request a reference from them directly. If you graduated more than two years ago, you may supply professional referees instead if you are no longer in touch with your undergraduate tutors.
• A writing sample. You should supply a writing sample of around 2,500 words on a philosophical topic; ideally this will be a recent essay or extract on a relevant topic on which you received a good mark.
• A good statement of purpose. Typical personal statements are 1-2 pages long; you should include:
  • Your motivation. Why this particular MA, and why Warwick?
  • Your background. How has your education prepared you for rigorous postgraduate study in this area? This is particularly important if your undergraduate degree is not in the area of philosophy.
  • Your expectations. How does this degree fit into your future plans - what do you hope to gain from it?
• Fluency in English. If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 7.0 with no more than two components at 6.5 or 6.0, or other accepted language test at Band B, dated within two years of your proposed start date. Full details of our English Language requirements as well as the very specific circumstances in which a language test may not be required can be found on the English Language information and entry requirements webpage. Please also note that taking a pre-sessional English course at Warwick or elsewhere is not sufficient to replace an IELTS score at the required level.

Timings

You can access the online application system here. We review applications on a rolling basis, so you should submit your application as soon as you are ready. We will normally make a decision on your application within 4 working weeks of receiving all necessary documents. Ideally you should aim to submit your application by April to ensure you receive your application results with enough time to organise the logistical aspects of your studies before the start of term.

Overseas and EU candidates must apply no later than 2nd August 2024; while there is no deadline for Home candidates, we strongly recommend applying by 2nd August 2024 in order to ensure enough time is left to sort out logistics, such as accommodation.

If you plan to apply for funding, please read the scholarship criteria carefully; if you need an offer in order to apply for funding, please allow enough time for your MA application to be processed. More details about funding opportunities can be found on the Fees & funding page.