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The Studies in Philosophy and Religion MRes Distance Learning Programme is scheduled for a duration of one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). It is tailor-made to suit your interests in consultation with the areas of expertise offered by the School. It is designed also to suit the needs of those who are unable to attend time-tabled sessions at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ. It comprises two parts.)

Part 1:

Students will write two essays, each of 5000 words (30 credits each). The essay titles and content will be decided in consultation with your supervisor.  However, they will follow any two topics listed below. Students will have full support from a supervisor (via e-mail, telephone, Skype, or any other means that is mutually convenient).

Topic List:

• Eastern Philosophy and Religion (Hinduism, Sikhism, Shinto and Confucianism
• Islamic Philosophy and ethics
• Religious fundamentalism
• Political Philosophy (including social theory such as Marx, Weber, Rawls etc.)
• Globalization (including, multiculturalism)
• The Enlightenment
• Democratic theory
• The Philosophy of Nietzsche
• Psychoanalytic Studies
• Jungian Theory
• Ethical Theory
• Applied Ethics
• Religious Experience

Part 2:

Part 2 is a supervised dissertation of 40,000 words (120 credits). The subject of the dissertation will be decided by you in consultation with your supervisor.  It is usually expected that the subject will relate to the broad range of topics listed above.

Qualification

Completion of the full programme will lead to the qualification of MRes (Master of Research). Students may exit the course after completing Part 1 (the two essays: 60 credits), and be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate.

For all School of Philosophy and Religion Masters courses (MARes, MRes), applicants should normally have an appropriate degree – with a minimum of second class honours (lower second class is acceptable), or alternatively a qualification of experience which is acceptable as equivalent. International applicants will also be required to have relevant English Language qualifications.

For the MARes and MRes programmes, applicants are required to submit a suitable research proposal (of approximately 400 words including bibliography). The topic of your research should be within a subject area that can be supervised by current members of staff. Students often select a topic from within the broad list of topics available in Part 1. Please consult the staff pages for details of their general expertise.

Those wishing to teach religion or philosophy in schools or in institutions of Higher Education will find the programme especially beneficial. Many who pursue the programme will enter various careers in the public or private sector.

It is anticipated that international students from non-Western cultures will find this degree helpful in working in international organisations and businesses. Some students may wish to proceed to doctoral study and pursue an academic career in a university setting.