MA - Philosophy as a main subject
Main Subject, Second Subject
The Master of Arts involves advanced study in an Arts subject and is intended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject. The degree also includes a substantial component of independent research. The Master of Arts may be taken within the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, School of Arts or the School of Social Sciences.
Philosophy is for thinkers and doers. It's about solving real-life problems, and applying intellectual rigour to how we understand and interact with others, society and the world. Studying Philosophy at Waikato will teach you how to learn, think and write clearly, argue vigorously, and question deeply held assumptions and beliefs.
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Key information
| Years: | 1 - 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): | $7,416 - $8,888 per year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $34,190 - $38,910 (120 pts) $51,290 - $58,370 (180 pts) |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
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Papers
Papers available within Philosophy
Prescriptions for the PGCert(Phil), PGDip(Phil), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc
To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Philosophy, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally PHILO591) and at least 30 points from papers listed for Philosophy.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA or MSocSc in Philosophy, a student must have completed either:
a) a BA or BSocSc with a major in Philosophy (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
b) a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Philosophy (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division), or a PGDip in Philosophy (or equivalent) with at least a B average, and
c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Completion requirements for the MA or MSocSc in Philosophy vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including PHILO588 and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.
Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, or a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPSS590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| PHILO533 | Moral and Political Philosophy | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will cover a range of current topics in moral and political philosophy. The exact content will be guided by choices made in class, but will include detailed analysis of foundational problems in modern political philosophy, and exploration of the intersection of moral and political philosophy in practice. | |||
| PHILO536 | The Philosophy of Mind | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| In this paper we will discuss recent philosophical work on issues concerning consciousness and intentionality. | |||
| PHILO545 | Aesthetics | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers a range of topics in contemporary aesthetics, including: What is art? What is the difference between art and craft? Are aesthetic values entirely subjective? Can fictional events give rise to real emotions? How is it possible to enjoy horror? | |||
| PHILO560 | Special Topic: Free Will and Moral Responsibility | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| This paper will examine conceptual and empirical issues in the literature on free will and moral responsibility. Topics may include: Does free will or moral responsibility require the ability to do otherwise? If we lack the kind of free will required for moral responsibility, can punishment be justified? Do psychopathy or addiction pose problems for theories of moral responsibility? Have experimental findings shown that we don't have free will or that there are methodological problems with philosophical debates about free will and moral responsibility? | |||
| PHILO588 | Foundations of Philosophical Research | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| In this paper we engage in focused analysis of a range of philosophical topics relevant to the research goals of students. The paper enhances students' knowledge of long standing and contemporary debates in philosophy. Students cultivate their research skills through seminar development and presentation, and gain a grounding in phi... | |||
| PHILO591 | Dissertation | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23D (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PHILO592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PHILO593 | Philosophy Thesis | 90.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| PHILO594 | Philosophy Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
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Subject Requirements
Philosophy is available as a major for the BA and BSocSc.
Philosophy is available as a major for the BA and BSocSc. Philosophy may also be taken as a second major or as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Catalogue of Papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone:
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
School of Social Sciences
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4030
General Enquiries: [email protected]