University of Warwick

What you'll study

The programme combines taught seminars with supervised independent research. Core teaching emphasises close reading of primary texts and the development of critical argument, covering thinkers and movements such as Husserl and phenomenology, Heidegger and existential ontology, hermeneutic traditions, the Frankfurt School and critical theory, structuralism and post-structuralism (including Foucault, Derrida and Deleuze), and contemporary developments in political and aesthetic theory.

Students take a mix of compulsory and optional units in small-group seminars. Typical taught components include topics or modules on:

• Phenomenology and Hermeneutics
• Critical Theory and the Frankfurt School
• Post-Structuralist Thought (Foucault, Derrida, Deleuze)
• Philosophy, Politics and Society in Modern Europe
• Psychoanalysis and Political Theory
• Advanced Research Methods in Continental Philosophy

The course culminates in a substantial supervised dissertation that allows you to pursue an extended piece of original research on a topic within the continental tradition. There are also opportunities to take optional modules from cognate areas such as Literature, Film Studies, Politics, Sociology and History of Art, reflecting Warwick's interdisciplinary approach.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in philosophy or a closely related subject. Candidates with degrees in humanities or social sciences who can demonstrate substantial engagement with philosophical texts and methods are also considered. Equivalent international qualifications are accepted.

Selection is based on academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining your interests and proposed areas of study, and an academic writing sample. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate competence in English; details of acceptable qualifications are available from the university admissions pages. In some cases the department may request references or an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Continental Philosophy go on to a wide range of careers. Many students continue to doctoral research and academic careers in philosophy, humanities and social theory. Others apply their skills in fields that value critical thinking and complex textual analysis, such as publishing, journalism, cultural institutions and museums, research and policy roles in think-tanks, arts administration, teaching, and roles in law, consultancy or public engagement. The programme’s emphasis on independent research and close argumentation also prepares students for careers where rigorous analysis, clear writing and the ability to engage with contested ideas are essential.

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick’s Department of Philosophy is known for its strong programme in modern European thought and for active research groups focused on continental traditions. Students benefit from dedicated research centres and a lively seminar culture, with regular guest lectures, reading groups and interdisciplinary collaboration across departments such as English, Politics and Film Studies. The department’s supervision and small-group teaching help maintain intensive engagement with primary texts and contemporary debates, while the university’s broader research environment offers opportunities for cross-disciplinary projects and professional development.