MA Philosophy (Public Policy) builds on our long-established MA in Philosophy by offering a specialist route in public policy.
Introduction
You will learn how philosophical theory and analysis can be used to understand and shape public policy, scientific practice and as a force for social and political change.
Through your compulsory modules, you will be introduced to philosophical critiques of society, and of particularly important social institutions, such as science, thereby learning to better understand the world in which we live. You will develop the tools to apply knowledge for use in public life while gaining a solid foundation for postgraduate research in philosophy or the social sciences.
Through a series of optional modules, you will have access to a wide range of philosophical topics which will further enhance your studies and your personal perspective on social issues.
What you'll learn
Understanding of current issues in metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, religion, ethics, and practical philosophy
Understanding of public policy and how policies are devised
Philosophical critiques of society and social institutions
Critical reading and critical thinking
Communication skills, both verbally and in writing, through open debates and written assessments
Practical experience of being part of a university research community
Key research and professional skills
Training in the forensic, dialectical and analytical tools that characterise good philosophical practice
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
Philosophy and Social Change (PHIL771)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Philosophy is important because it helps us think about what matters most to us. Social philosophy is important because it helps us think about social issues and social change. Arguably, a proper understanding of social issues is a prerequisite for participating in meaningful social change. This module will look at what philosophy can contribute to our understanding of social change, and even social change in practice.
Staff will lead seminar discussions on topics relating to philosophy and social change, with the topics typically arising directly out of their recent research. Topics to be explored might include (dis)trust in science, political polarisation, science communication, propaganda, and philosophy of class, disability, gender, race and sexuality. Students will write a 1000 word op-ed and a 2000 word essay on topics of their choice. Two optional workshops will be dedicated to writing, and will include opportunities for students to get staff and peer feedback on their ideas.
Religion, Ethics and Practical Philosophy (PHIL704)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces current issues in ethics, philosophy of religion and practical philosophy, as considered by current staff actively researching them. This research-led module serves both to introduce students with no previous detailed knowledge of the areas studied to such issues, and to show how active researchers approach them while actively engaging students themselves in research methodology and practices. The module thus functions both as a research-preparation module and a module for consolidating knowledge in these areas of philosophy.
Research and Professional Skills (PHIL703)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module is designed to assist students in enhancing the research and professional skills needed for postgraduate study of philosophy and for the conduct of future research in the subject or a career outside academia. Over the whole session, there are regular workshops covering key skills for research and for professional life. These are supplemented, by ‘Insights’ workshops with visiting researchers and participation in the department’s research activities.
Optional modules
AESTHETICS (PHIL716)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module intends to facilitate in-depth understanding of central themes of aesthetics and art theory, especially questions about aesthetic judgement, aesthetic experience and aesthetic value. Students will be able to further their knowledge of the history of philosophy as well as the connection between theory and artistic practice. The module is taught by seminar 1 hour per week; students are also advised to attend the PHIL 306 Aesthetics lecture 1 hour per week. Assessment is via a 3,000 essay. Students also take it in turns to give one 10-15 minute presentation in class, formative assessment.
Consciousness (PHIL709)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module will provide a survey of some of the most significant debates in contemporary philosophy of mind; the topics of consciousness, perception and artificial intelligence will be examined in detail.
Words and Ideas: Realism, Nominalism, and the emergence of the modern concept of the Individual. (PHIL772)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
A series of seminars presenting some of the disputes between ontological individualism (‘nominalism’), which holds that there are only particular things and ontological holism (‘Platonism’), which maintains the basic reality of properties, structures, forms and Ideas. There will be close attention to the etymology and semantic history of philosophically relevant words.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Please note – some modules are still subject to review and may change prior to the start of this course.
Compulsory modules:
Science, Society and Public Policy (30 credits)
One of the most valuable roles philosophers play is as social critics. This critical stance is common to a diverse range of philosophical perspectives, including critical theory, which seeks to critique societal structures, norms and power dynamics, with a view to uncovering and challenging underlying assumptions; and applied philosophy, which seeks to use philosophical concepts and tools to provide practical guidance and critique of common societal practices.
This research-led module introduces students to philosophical critiques of society, and of particularly important social institutions, such as science; and critical approaches to science and society.
Compulsory modules
Research and Professional Skills (PHIL703)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module is designed to assist students in enhancing the research and professional skills needed for postgraduate study of philosophy and for the conduct of future research in the subject or a career outside academia. Over the whole session, there are regular workshops covering key skills for research and for professional life. These are supplemented, by ‘Insights’ workshops with visiting researchers and participation in the department’s research activities.
Science, Society and Public Policy (PHIL732)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
One of the most valuable roles philosophers play is as social critics. This critical stance is common to a diverse range of philosophical perspectives, including critical theory, which seeks to critique societal structures, norms and power dynamics, with a view to uncovering and challenging underlying assumptions, and applied philosophy, which seeks to use philosophical concepts and tools to provide practical guidance and critique of common societal practices. This research-led module introduces students to philosophical critiques of society, and of particularly important social institutions, such as science. The module serves to both introduce students to critical approaches to science and society and equip students with the tools to better understand the world in which they live. Students will engage in three research projects during the module. The first two projects will be group projects and will lead to the production of a 10-15 minute group presentation and a poster. The third project will be a larger individual project and will lead to a 3500 word essay.
Optional modules
Cultural Institutions B (PHIL770)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the theories, processes and practical conditions which result in exhibitions of art within cultural institutions. The relationship between the artist, art, curator and institution will be addressed. The module includes issues of curation, as well as the broader functions of the cultural institution, such as collecting, education, and marketing. The place of cultural institutions in broader cultural and social structures within society will also be considered by students. Students attend a 2-day curating skills workshop at Victoria Gallery and Museum and further two workshops at local cultural institutions. They also receive study support sessions. Assessment is by a 3,000 word essay.
Metaphysical and Epistemic Issues in Philosophy of Religion (PHIL715)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will help students to gain detailed insight into key contemporary debates in the philosophy of religion (predominantly in the Western tradition). Students will have the opportunity to confront and respond to challenges that arise, metaphysically and epistemologically, in this field. Questions that arise include whether ‘God-talk’ is merely nonsense, as some have claimed. Is the concept of ‘God’ even logically consistent? What is the relationship between faith and reason? How serious a threat is posed to coherent religious belief by the existence of evil and suffering?
PHILOSOPHY OF FILM (PHIL757)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module considers what it is to think philosophically about the nature of film. It critically discusses philosophical approaches to the medium. It examines the thinking of philosophers, critics and filmmakers on vital issues encountered when discussing film as art. It considers the importance of film and its relation to other art forms. It familiarises students with works by key filmmakers, and encourages students to engage with these works. The module will enhance students’ abilities to think critically about fundamental issues surrounding film, and about what philosophers, critics and filmmakers have said about the medium. It is taught through weekly seminars (1 hour per week) and film screenings. Assessment is by one 3,000 word essay.
SUBSTANCE AND PROCESS IN INDIAN METAPHYSICS (PHIL726)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will familiarise students with the various traditions of belief and practice associated with ‘Hinduism’ and ‘Buddhism’. It will help students to understand the ways in which Indian philosophers have considered topics that are also discussed in the Western traditions and provided distinctive approaches to them. There will be one seminar per week. Students are also encouraged to attend the undergraduate lectures on Indian Philosophy. Assessment is by one 3,000 word essay.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Over the summer you will continue to work on and complete your dissertation.
Compulsory modules
M.A. Dissertation (PHIL706)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: whole session
Students will write a dissertation (15,000 words, maximum) on a topic that they have researched in depth, under the guidance of their supervisors. There will also be two seminar sessions focusing on the development of dissertation preparation and writing skills.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching is delivered through a combination of seminars and workshops held on campus. Depending on which module options are taken, there may be lectures and separate seminar sessions scheduled.
Class sizes for master’s programmes in the Department of Philosophy tend to be small, and a typical class in Philosophy will include between 8-10 students.
How you're assessed
You will mainly be assessed by a combination of formative and summative coursework. This will take a number of different forms, including essays, essay plans, research proposals, a reflective journal and a dissertation.
In addition, you will be assessed by presentations in certain modules. Other assessment formats may apply also depending on the options modules taken.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of Philosophy is based in the School of the Arts, although teaching will take place across the campus. Our staff and students have created an environment where critical, independent thinking flourishes, in a city that has a long tradition of welcoming radical thinkers and philosophers. Our friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere makes the exchange of ideas enjoyable, as well as intellectually stimulating.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why study Philosophy at Liverpool?
Our students’ study some of the most profound questions facing humankind, in a city renowned for its rich history of culture, protest and philosophical debate
Our friendly, down-to earth atmosphere makes the exchange of ideas enjoyable as well as intellectually stimulating
We have a long history of combining research excellence in core areas of philosophy with innovative work at the frontiers of the discipline: from literature to spirituality, Chinese philosophy to animal ethics, neo-Platonism to feminism
Ranked 4th in the sector for outstanding (4*) research impact (REF 2021)
PHILOS-L. Established in 1989, PHILOS-L is the largest Philosophy mailing list in the world. The list boasts over 13,000 members in over 60 countries
We work as part of our amazing city; working with partners in the Bluecoat Gallery, Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, NHS and more to inspire our thinking and the practices of our communities
What students say...
The support from tutors has been great. I’ve found that they are willing to chat about anything even if it’s not linked to their designated role with you. Whether that’s academic, professional, or personal advice. It’s nice to know that if you’re stuck with your ideas or have questions about certain aspects of academic life they are on hand to help.
Our programmes aim to equip you with the general and widely applicable analytical, argumentative, and problem-solving skills valued by employers. By placing emphasis on the intersection between philosophical research and curatorial practice, this programme especially equips graduates for further academic research and an international career in the arts.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Some of our postgraduate students have gone on to a career in academic Philosophy, other career destinations of our graduates include business, curating, cultural management, the media, the civil service and education.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Philosophy or a closely related Arts and Humanities subject.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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