Master of Arts (MA) Philosophy
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2 Years
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Post Graduate
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Arts
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Full Time
2 Years
Post Graduate
Arts
Full Time
The Master of Arts in Philosophy, or MA Philosophy, is a two-year postgraduate program that delves into both classical and modern philosophical schools of thought. It offers an in-depth exploration of reality, existence, and the fundamental nature of knowledge.
The curriculum of Master of Arts in Philosophy encompasses a wide range of topics, including Moral Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge and Reality, Logic and Language, Ethics, Religion, Philosophy of Mind, Western Metaphysics, Indian Epistemology, and more. Students engage in critical and systematic analysis, employing reasoned arguments to address general philosophical problems such as existence, truth, beauty, law, justice, validity, mind, and language.
To be eligible for this MA Philosophy program, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution, with philosophy or a related subject as their major. Admissions are often based on entrance exams conducted by the institute or through evaluation of previous academic performance.
The average cost of the MA Philosophy program ranges from INR 7,000 to INR 100,000. Upon completion, graduates have opportunities in various sectors, including Publishing Houses, Divinity, Teaching, Insurance Industries, and Diplomacy. The starting salary for MA Philosophy graduates typically falls between INR 200,000 and INR 600,000 per annum.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Post-graduation |
| Full-Form | Master of Arts (Philosophy) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-based |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream from a recognized institute |
| Admission Process | Merit-based/ Entrance Examination |
| Average Course Fee | INR 7,000 – 1 lakh |
| Average Salary | INR 200,000 – 600,000 per annum |
| Top Recruiters | Eureka Forbes, AJ Solutions, NIAS, Subex, HP, Dell, Siemens, Mphasis, etc. |
| Job Profiles | Archivist, Administrator, Researcher, Interviewer, Student Affairs Manager, Insurance Underwriter, Lecturer, Social Worker, Content Writer, etc. |
| Areas of Employment | Diplomacy, Publishing Houses, Community & Social Service, Businesses, Finance Departments, Divinity, Health & Social Work, Hotels & Restaurants, Insurance Industry, Public Service, Research, etc. |
MA Philosophy aims to equip students with knowledge of fundamental issues in ethics, politics, economics, human rights, and culture, enabling them to analyze the underlying reasons driving these dimensions of human life.
Candidates in this program delve into various topics, including the moral implications of human actions on society, the nature of being, and linguistic analysis.
Graduates of MA Philosophy Course have the opportunity to pursue further studies in areas such as Epistemology, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, and Cognitive Science. This degree is particularly beneficial for those passionate about philosophy, as it instills basic ethics and moral values.
The program satisfies the interests of students keen on studying philosophy, its history, and its contextualization in different historical and geographical settings.
Those aspiring for higher studies can opt for M. Phil in Applied Philosophy, Ph.D. in Philosophy, or research in Philosophy.
MA Philosophy opens up various high-profile job opportunities both in India and abroad. Graduates can pursue careers in public service, law, teaching, diplomacy, ministry, research, publishing, journalism, insurance, student affairs, and more.
The admission process for MA Philosophy in India typically follows two main pathways: merit-based admission and entrance exam-based admission.
For merit-based admission, candidates are assessed primarily on their academic performance in their bachelor's degree program. Institutes evaluate applicants based on their previous academic scores and compile a merit list of shortlisted candidates. Those shortlisted are then usually invited for an interview as the final step in the selection process.
On the other hand, some institutes opt for an entrance exam route, such as DU, JNU, among others. These institutes conduct their own entrance exams, and candidates' performance in these exams determines their eligibility. Institutes release a merit list based on the marks obtained in the entrance test, and candidates who clear the cut-off are selected for further rounds, typically including an interview.
Master of Arts (MA) in Philosophy requires a diverse array of skills to navigate the complexities of philosophical inquiry and scholarship. Here are the essential skills every aspiring philosopher should possess or cultivate to excel in their academic pursuits
Interpersonal Skills.
Time Management and Organisation Skills.
Communication Skills.
Problem-Solving Skills.
Team Working Skills.
Decision-Making Skills.
Creativity.
Analytical Skills.
Designing Skills.
Comprehension Skills.
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University.
Preferably, a graduation degree with Honors in Philosophy or having Philosophy as one of the subjects studied during graduation from any recognized university or college in the country.
Attainment of a minimum of 45-50% marks in graduation.
Certain relaxations are extended to candidates belonging to reserved categories.
No specific national or state-level exams are conducted for admission into MA Philosophy programs. Instead, universities like JNU, BHU, DU, and Aligarh Muslim University conduct their own entrance tests to select students. Details about their intake and entrance examinations are typically released through their respective websites during the admission period.
Below are some popular MA Philosophy entrance exams:
BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test): BHU PET is the entrance examination conducted by Banaras Hindu University for admission into various postgraduate programs, including MA in Philosophy.
Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam: Aligarh Muslim University also conducts entrance exams to offer admissions to deserving candidates into their MA Philosophy program.
| Exam Name | Registration Date (Tentative) | Exam Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| PUBDET | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| APU UG NET | December, 2023 | To be Announced |
| TS EAMCET | To be Announced | July 2024 |
Obtain the specific syllabus for the entrance exams you plan to take.
Utilize textbooks, academic journals, lecture notes, and online resources to study each topic thoroughly.
Practice solving sample questions and previous years' exam papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your understanding.
Engage in discussions, debates, and study groups with peers to deepen your understanding of philosophical concepts and perspectives.
Stay updated on current philosophical debates, developments, and trends by reading contemporary philosophical literature and participating in philosophical forums or seminars.
Prepare rigorously for any required entrance exams. This may involve reviewing key philosophical concepts, practicing analytical and critical thinking skills, and familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions typically asked.
Aim to score above the cutoff marks set by the colleges you're interested in. This may require dedicated study and possibly seeking guidance from tutors or prep courses.
Prepare for personal interviews, if they are part of the MA Philosphy admission College Prgram. Showcase your passion for philosophy, articulate your academic interests and goals, and demonstrate your ability to engage in thoughtful discussion.
Keep track of important deadlines for applications, exams, and interviews. Submit all required documents and forms on time to avoid any last-minute issues.
| Semester | 1st Semester | 2nd Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Subjects | |
| Classical Indian Philosophy | History of Western Philosophy | |
| Greek Philosophy | Aristotle’s Metaphysics | |
| Formal Logic | The Feminist Thought | |
| Ethics | Gandhi and Libertarian Socialism | |
| Meaning of Life | NA | |
| Exploring Philosophy through Films | NA | |
| Books | Books | |
| The Ethics of Hindus by S.K. Maitra | NA | |
| Ethical Philosophies of India by I.C. Sharma | NA | |
| The Theories of Ethics by Philippa Foot | NA | |
| Philosophy of Mind by J. Shofer | NA | |
| NA | NA | |
| NA | NA | |
| 3rd Semester | 4th Semester | |
| Subjects | Subjects | |
| Analytic Philosophy | Philosophy of Language | |
| Continental Philosophy | Knowledge and Scepticism | |
| Environmental Ethics | From Language to Mind | |
| Ethics in Buddhism | Theories of Consciousness | |
| Philosophy of Human Rights | Theory of Signs and the Semiotic Method | |
| Imagination and Symbolization | Theories of Truth | |
| Indian Aesthetics | Theories of Self | |
| Understanding Multiculturalism | Philosophy of History | |
| Books | Books | |
| NA | NA | |
| Philosophy of Mind by J. Shofer | NA | |
| NA | NA | |
| NA | NA | |
| NA | NA | |
| NA | NA | |
| NA | NA |
| Name of College | Location | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Miranda House | New Delhi | INR 14,530 |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | New Delhi | INR 17,976 |
| Hindu College | New Delhi | INR 16,590 |
| Loyola College | Chennai | INR 7,200 |
| Indraprastha College for Women | New Delhi | INR 10,500 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | INR 9,600 |
| University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | INR 7,220 |
| Mysore University | Mysore | INR 17,600 |
MA Philosophy Arts vs. MA Theology
| Parameters | MA Philosophy | MA Theology |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | Master of Arts (Philosophy) | Master of Arts (Theology) |
| Overview | Study of reality, existence, and fundamental nature of knowledge | Study of religion and interpretation of holy books like the Bible, Quran, etc. |
| Subjects included | Moral Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge and Reality, Logic and Language, Ethics, Religion, Philosophy of Mind, etc. | Biblical Hebrew, Religions, Exegesis, etc. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream with minimum 50% from a recognized institute | Bachelor's degree in any field with minimum score of 50% |
| Admission Process | Merit-based / Entrance Exam | Merit-based / Entrance Exam |
| Exam Type | Semester | Semester |
| Average Fees | INR 7K-1 lakh | INR 10K – 40K |
| Average Salary | INR 2 – 6 lakh | INR 3 – 5 lakh |
| Top Recruiters | Eureka Forbes, AJ Solutions, NIAS, Subex, HP, Dell, Siemens, Mphasis, etc. | Candida Xavier, Global Technologies, Northern Trust Careers, etc. |
| Job Profiles | Archivist, Administrator, Researcher, Interviewer, Student Affairs Manager, Insurance Underwriter, Lecturer, Social Worker, Content Writer, etc. | Bible Translator, University/College-based Religion Teacher, Minister of Church, Pastor, etc. |
| Areas of Employment | Diplomacy, Publishing Houses, Community & Social Service, Businesses, Finance Departments, Divinity, Health & Social Work, Hotels & Restaurants, Insurance Industry, Public Service, Research, etc. | Social workers, Ethicists, Teachers, Non-profit workers, Counselors, Journalists, Writers, Historians, etc. |
Many students opt for higher studies such as Ph.D. in Philosophy to delve deeper into their field of interest. This enables them to contribute to academic research and discourse.
Graduates can appear for competitive exams like UPSC and MPSC, opening doors to prestigious positions such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The analytical and critical thinking skills honed during their MA program are highly valued in these roles.
MA Philosophy degree holders can pursue careers in teaching at schools, colleges, and universities. They can start as Junior Faculty or Research Associates and progress to higher positions in academia.
Philosophy graduates possess excellent communication and analytical skills, making them well-suited for roles in content development and program instruction in educational and corporate organizations.
Q. What is Philosophy?
Ans. Philosophy is the systematic study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It explores topics such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and aesthetics.
Q. Why should I pursue a Master of Arts in Philosophy?
Ans. An MA in Philosophy provides a deep understanding of complex ideas, enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, and prepares you for a wide range of careers in academia, public service, and beyond.
Q. What can I do with a Master's degree in Philosophy?
Ans. Graduates can pursue further academic studies, work in education, research, public policy, journalism, law, business, or any field where critical thinking and problem-solving skills are valued.
Q. What kind of coursework can I expect in an MA Philosophy program?
Ans. Coursework typically covers topics such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and the history of philosophy, with opportunities for specialization.
Q. Can I pursue a PhD after completing an MA in Philosophy?
Ans. Yes, many students continue their academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in Philosophy, where they can delve deeper into their areas of interest and contribute to philosophical research.
Q. How can studying Philosophy benefit my career?
Ans. Philosophy develops skills such as critical thinking, logical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, which are highly sought after in a variety of professions.
Q. Is Philosophy only for those interested in academia?
Ans. No, while some philosophy graduates pursue academic careers, many others find success in fields such as law, business, journalism, government, healthcare, and technology.
Q. What makes a successful philosophy student?
Ans. Successful philosophy students are curious, open-minded, intellectually rigorous, and have a passion for questioning assumptions and exploring the deeper meaning behind concepts.
Q. Are there opportunities for financial aid or scholarships for MA Philosophy students?
Ans. Yes, many universities offer scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships to support graduate students in philosophy programs. Additionally, external organizations may offer funding for philosophy research and study.
Q. How can I get involved in philosophical research or extracurricular activities?
Ans. Universities often have philosophical societies, discussion groups, and research opportunities where students can engage with peers and faculty members outside of the classroom. Additionally, attending conferences and publishing papers are ways to contribute to philosophical discourse.ast-minute issues.
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