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University of Johannesburg MA in Philosophy (Research / Coursework)

University of Johannesburg

MA in Philosophy (Research / Coursework)

Johannesburg, South Africa

2 Years

English

Full time

31 Oct 2025*

Feb 2026

ZAR 40,802 / per year **

On-Campus

* by noon

** fees for the complete programme amount to between R40802,00 and R101910,00. Fees may vary depending on the composition of a particular qualification

Key Summary

    About: The MA in Philosophy (Research / Coursework) combines both research and coursework components. This program allows students to delve into various philosophical fields while honing critical thinking and analytical skills over a typical duration of one year full-time or two years part-time. The curriculum offers flexibility, enabling participants to tailor their studies to their interests.
    Career Outcomes: Graduates may pursue diverse career paths such as academic research, teaching, publishing, public policy, or roles in non-profit organizations. The analytical and critical skills gained can also be valuable in business, law, and other sectors where reasoning and argumentation are essential.

Introduction

MA in Philosophy (Research)

For this degree, students write a dissertation of approximately 45,000 words under supervision, on a topic selected in consultation with the Department. The topic must be in line with the expertise of the available lecturers.

MA in Philosophy (Coursework)

The MA by Coursework curriculum consists of six compulsory modules. The first is the research module, a minor dissertation of about 20,000 – 25,000 words, the topic of which is negotiated with a supervisor. The second module is a research essay of approximately 7500 words, which includes a proposal for the minor dissertation that is expected to satisfy the Higher Degrees Committee, and which must be completed in the first year of study (failing which continuation in the programme is at the discretion of the Philosophy Department). The other four modules are courses. Which courses are offered in a specific year will be determined by the department and will be based on, amongst other considerations, the availability of academic staff with the requisite expertise in a field and the interests of students.

Reasons for studying at UJ

  • UJ offers not only a special program called the First Year Experience to help orientate students throughout the first year but we also offer a Senior Student Experience that gears students toward the workplace!
  • Grab the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and train alongside Olympians and Paralympians on state-of-the-art pitches, tracks, and fields, or just keep fit by joining one of the gyms on each of our 4 campuses.
  • Be part of a young, vibrant, and agile university that reflects and adapts easily to our country’s aspirations, while maintaining global relevance through numerous international partnerships.
  • 178 Internationally respected and accepted qualifications.
  • Join a university that cares enough to have raised over R300 million since the start of 2016 in order to support the Missing Middle Campaign. UJ also ensures that more than 6 000 needy students have two healthy meals per day.
  • Study in the vibrant City of Gold – the economic hub of South Africa. Join a vibrant, cosmopolitan, progressive group of students and academics on their way to re-imagining the future!
  • UJ offers an amazing on-campus experience whether you live in one of UJ’s residences, belong to a day house, or whether you just want to socialize at the Student Centres on all campuses.
  • We ensure the health, safety, and security of all our students through our own on-campus health services and UJ Protection Services.
  • Did you know that during the first five years of UJ’s existence it doubled its targeted research output and to this day, continues to break records!

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