Philosophy is often regarded as the ultimate transferable work skill. With its emphasis on reason, critical thinking and argumentation, philosophy offers an excellent framework for a career in writing, law, religion, social work, international diplomacy, business and post-graduate education. The skills one acquires in philosophy include the ability to write and speak in a persuasive manner, but also competencies in critical thinking, effective reasoning and innovative questioning. These skills offer a solid foundation for entering the job market and are especially beneficial in careers that require complex problem-solving, understanding the connections between problems/sets of information, and the ability to assess information from various angles.
A postgraduate qualification in Philosophy provides students with the opportunity to pursue any number of lines of enquiry and will equip students with transferable skills, such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving skills, and improved writing and communication abilities. Our qualifications are aimed not only at students, but also at professionals who may not have had the opportunity during their university training to reflect on philosophical issues. We offer a Master’s degree by dissertation as well as a Master’s degree by coursework, the latter of which is perfect for professionals. We also offer a Doctoral degree by dissertation.
Possible themes
In the Master’s degree by coursework, themes such as Nietzche, Ricouer, Science and Technology, and Cybernetics and Algorithms are explored. These themes do change occasionally, and best would be to contact the School of Philosophy for the curriculum. For a Master’s and PhD by dissertation, a multiplicity of philosophical themes can be accommodated. The School has staff with specialisations in fields such as Continental Philosophy, Environmental Philosophy, African Philosophy, Philosophy of Technology, Phenomenology, Existentialism and Ethics, among many others. If you have any specific topic in mind, please do not hesitate to contact the School of Philosophy and we will try our best to accommodate you.
If you're interested in applying for Master's or PhD programmes at the North-West University (NWU), here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:
Remember to check the specific requirements for the Master's or PhD programme you are interested in, as they may vary. It's essential to submit a well-prepared application, including a short research proposal, to increase your chances of admission to NWU.
If you have more questions, you can direct them to:
