The Department of Philosophy offers a vibrant environment for study at postgraduate level. All our staff are research active and publish regularly in the leading journals.
Almost all areas of philosophy are studied but major strengths lie in metaphysics, mind, aesthetics and philosophy of language. There is also active research in other core areas, such as ethics and the philosophy of science, as well as some less traditional subjects such as philosophy of film and fiction and philosophy of sport.
There are several exciting research projects underway in the Department including the Metaphysics of Science project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Professor Mumford is one of the leaders (along with Helen Beebee at Birmingham and Alexander Bird at Bristol), and a postdoctoral research fellow and PhD students are based in Nottingham. Causes, laws, dispositions and natural kinds are among the topics being investigated.
Research programmes are delivered through one-to-one supervision with a member of staff with expertise in the subject area. The taught programmes are delivered through a choice of specialised modules with students selecting four subjects from a range of 12. The taught MA is an excellent preparation for further research as it includes a research-training component.
The Department provides dedicated space for research students, including study areas and places for informal contact. There is a weekly departmental research seminar, which is open to all postgraduates, and often hosts internationally famous philosophers. In addition, there is a separate weekly seminar for postgraduates to present their work. The Philosophy Society organises a range of other activities.
For research students, the Graduate School offers a comprehensive range of research training courses. Postgraduate students in the Department are also eligible to take the Academic German course, which is offered by the School of Humanities and designed for students with little or no German language experience.
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008: 25% of the Department's research activity has received the highest possible rating of 4* (research at this level being defined as 'world-leading') - a result surpassed by only four UK Philosophy departments outside Oxford, Cambridge and London. 60% has been judged either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.
The Department of Philosophy is one of six departments in the School of Humanities.
Download the Philosophy brochure to explore the Department's postgraduate opportunities.