University College Dublin

Contemporary European Philosophy (M.A.) at University College Dublin (UCD) is a postgraduate programme focused on major currents in modern continental thought, including phenomenology, critical theory, and related ethical and political debates. You will develop advanced skills for close reading, philosophical argumentation, and research-led writing.

• Award: M.A. (Master of Arts) in Contemporary European Philosophy
• Duration: Typically 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (confirm with UCD for the current intake)
• Credits: 90 ECTS (typical for a taught master’s programme; confirm with the programme handbook)
• Delivery: On-campus at University College Dublin
• Mode: Full-time and part-time options
• Language of instruction: English
• Tuition fees (as listed in the record): International: EUR 22,600/year; EU/EEA: EUR 10,350/year
• Start dates: Usually September (intake dates can vary—check UCD’s admissions calendar)
• Application: Submit via UCD’s postgraduate admissions process (deadlines vary by intake)

Programme Structure

The M.A. is built around taught modules that develop both breadth and depth in contemporary European philosophy. Your study typically combines core thematic courses with specialist options, and culminates in a substantial assessed research component.

Indicative modules (examples)

• Merleau-Ponty: Phenomenology of Perception
• Topics in Contemporary/Continental Philosophy
• The Good Society
• Autonomy as a Philosophical Problem
• Levinas: The Ethics of the Other

Assessment and capstone

Assessment commonly includes essays, seminar-based work, and a longer research paper or dissertation component (exact format and module weighting should be confirmed in the programme handbook for your intake).

Academic requirements

GPA Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that indicates how well or how high you scored in your courses on average. Usually a GPA scales between 1.0 and 4.0, however different countries and universities can have different grading systems.

Upper Second Class (2:1) or international equivalent

English requirements

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PTE Academic PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.

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OTE The Oxford Test of English is a suite of 100% online, adaptive tests that assess your English language proficiency in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Endorsed by the University of Oxford and developed by Oxford University Press, the tests are available to book at Approved Test Centres worldwide throughout the year. You are given a score and CEFR level for each of the four modules, and for the overall test. Trust in the only suite of English proficiency tests certified by the University of Oxford. Scores range between 0-170.

140

IELTS The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).

6.5

Documents typically required (confirm with UCD for your intake): academic transcripts, degree certificate (if completed), CV (if requested), and English test results where applicable.

Post-study work options (Ireland)

After completing your master’s degree in Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permission, subject to meeting the Irish immigration requirements at the time of application.

• Eligibility: You must have successfully completed your programme and hold the appropriate immigration permission to remain in Ireland for the purpose of applying for post-study work.
• Duration: Post-study work permissions are typically granted for a limited period (the exact length depends on the programme and the rules in force when you apply).
• Timing: Applications are usually made after graduation and within the permitted timeframe set by the Irish authorities.
• Conditions: You must meet all documentation and financial/administrative requirements, and you must continue to comply with the conditions of your current permission while applying.

Important: Immigration rules can change. Always check the latest guidance from the Irish Department of Justice and/or your university’s international student office before planning your stay.