Key information
Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
UK fees*: £5,238
International/EU fees**: £22,300
The course
Philosophy (MA by Research)
The MA by Research (Philosophy) is a flexible programme that allows you to undertake in-depth study under the supervision of international experts, on a broad range of subjects within Philosophy.
The core of the MA by Research is a maximum 40,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choosing, intended to give you the scope to explore your area of interest in real depth and to develop sophisticated critical and analytical research and writing skills.
Our research
The department has a robust research profile, including expertise within it ancient philosophy (and particularly Stoicism and its reception in later periods); applied ethics; continental philosophy (in particular German idealism, German and French phenomenology, French poststructuralism, psychoanalysis, and the solo and collaborative works of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari), pragmatism (both its historical origins and contemporary debates), and political philosophy.
Before applying you will need to identify one of our academic researchers to work with. You should also prepare a 1,000-2,000 word research proposal that outlines the main aims and objectives of your planned research, the proposed method and approach of the research, and a timeline for the production of the thesis within the timeframe of the degree (one year for full time, two years for part time).
See a full list of our academic staff here.
Teaching & assessment
You will work closely with a member of the Philosophy team who will provide one-to-one supervision during your studies.
A maximum 40,000 word dissertation on a subject of your choice. The dissertation is assessed both internally and externally.
Entry requirements
Normally, we require a UK 2:1 Bachelor honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Other subjects will be considered and reviewed by the academic department.
We will consider applications with a high UK 2:2 or equivalent. Relevant professional qualifications or experience can be considered also.
Before applying you'll need to contact the academic researcher you want to work with and prepare a research proposal.
International & EU requirements
English language requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 67 overall. Writing 76 no other subscore lower than 59.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
- TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.
- Duolingo: 120 overall, 135 in Literacy, 135 in Production and no sub-score below 100.
Country-specific requirements
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please see here.
Your future career
Philosophy degrees are well regarded by employers as they give you the capacity to think through issues and problems in a logical and consistent way and to develop critical and transferable skills, which can be applied in almost any area of employment.
Fees, funding & scholarships
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £5,238
EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £22,300
Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.
How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.
* and ** These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding.
** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
