Postgraduate Philosophy –
Delve into the big questions of human existence and discover how philosophy is relevant to the questions and problems we face every day.
Philosophy addresses questions about truth, beauty, and justice, and about what's real and what's important. Make your own contribution to these fundamental questions through advanced study in Philosophy.
You’ll enrich your analytical toolkit, developing the ability to think creatively, clearly, and rigorously, and to communicate persuasively. Enhance your career prospects with skills that are highly prized in the job market.
You can concentrate on coursework by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, or you can ramp up your research skills through Honours, Master’s, or a PhD.
Join a programme known for its focus on philosophical topics that are contemporary, relevant, and practical. Work with specialists in exciting areas like experimental philosophy, the ethics of international relations, new forms of art, and the ethics of the biological and digital revolutions.
Available qualifications
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Philosophy is an ever-changing field which can help us navigate through some of the chaos of 21st century living.
Full storySondra Bacharach
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Logic
The University’s Philosophy and Mathematics programmes have strong international reputations for their work in logic.
Honours students interested in logic can combine Mathematics and Philosophy courses.
You can also do a Master of Arts or PhD in Philosophy focusing on topics in logic or the philosophy of logic.
Research topics
If you’re thinking of doing a thesis you should talk to potential supervisors before applying. Check Philosophy staff research interests for guidance on topics to consider and who to talk to.
Careers
Postgraduate Philosophy prepares you for a wide range of professional roles, demonstrating you have the high-level analytical skills that many employers are looking for. Those who take their study to the highest level often look to an academic career when they finish their PhD.
The Philosophy programme’s employment and placement record shows that graduates are often snapped up by employers or accepted for further postgraduate study.
Community
Join a programme with a focus on fostering its postgraduate community.
Enjoy the benefits of strong relationships with staff, a thriving research culture, and regular events, including workshops, seminars, discussion groups, and conferences. You’ll get support to attend the Philosophy programme’s annual postgraduate retreat and to run your own weekly student seminar series.
The opportunities are absolutely amazing—weekly graduate seminars where students present their own work, staff seminars where academic philosophers talk about their research and the famous philosophy retreat.
Full storyChrissy van Hulst
Master of Arts student in Philosophy
Live and study in New Zealand’s creative, compact, and vibrant capital. A cultural and intellectual hub, Wellington’s many institutions and events are a rich resource for study and personal enjoyment.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Research grants
If you’re doing a Master’s or PhD, you can apply for a research grant of up to $2,000 per year from the faculty Joint Research Committee (JRC).
Tutoring
Postgraduate Philosophy students can apply to tutor undergraduate courses. Learn more about Philosophy tutoring opportunities.
More information
Find guidelines for Master’s study and other useful links on the Faculty’s Postgraduate Resources page.