Ethics and Political Philosophy

Why study with us?

This two-year, tuition-free Master of Arts (MA) programme, taught in English, is conducted in cooperation with the Centre for Ethics as Study in Human Value, an internationally renowned research centre. The programme offers full specialisation in the two main domains of practical philosophy: ethics and political philosophy. It is ideally, but not exclusively, suited for students with a BA degree in general philosophy. The study plan uniquely combines historical and systematic approaches with a strong emphasis on contemporary and pressing issues. The problem-oriented interactive teaching encourages students to think independently and critically about phenomena that are highly relevant both within and outside academia, such as issues of marginalisation and exclusion, animal rights, nature of democracy and climate crisis. The study has a strong research orientation: Our students receive systematic training both in academic writing skills and in critical philosophical thinking to write an original MA thesis in one of the programme domains. The best graduates will be prepared to apply for PhD study at leading academic institutions or to join our vibrant multinational PhD community. Click here for more detailed information about the study plan.

Students are taught and supervised by a dynamic and active team of internationally recognised researchers from the Centre for Ethics, backed by the established institutional environment of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. We thus offer a plurality and diversity of learning experiences and innovative research perspectives, in a very creative, inspiring and welcoming environment. Click here for more information about who will teach you.

From the start, our students are invited to participate in the abundant research activities of the Centre for Ethics. The Centre and its doctoral students regularly organise international conferences, workshops, and seminars with high-profile invited speakers, such as Raimond Gaita, Veena Das, John Lippitt, Cora Diamond, and Toril Moi. The Centre hosts prestigious research projects, for instance the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action fellowships. It also maintains a rich network of international collaborations with universities such as Genoa, Manchester, Åbo, Dublin, King’s College London, Melbourne, and Uppsala, ranging from joint grant projects to Erasmus partnerships. Click here for more information about the Centre for Ethics and its activities. 

What are the admission requirements?

Deadline for application: 28^th of February 2025 , Electronic Admission Application

Candidates must have completed B.A. in Philosophy. In exceptional cases, the admission committee can admit B.A. in a different program.

Candidates must be proficient in academic English both spoken and written, at the level corresponding to CEFR B2+. The level of proficiency will be tested during admission interviews that will be conducted in English. Candidates can attach certificates of language proficiency to their applications.

The application includes, as an attachment, a sample of the candidate’s academic writing in English, of 1500-4000 words. This may be a part of their BA thesis, a final exam of a course they have passed, the proposed project of the MA thesis, a philosophical essay on the topic of their own choice, or a summary of a relevant philosophical text. The text should have the proper academic form (with references etc.)