MA Philosophy of Mind and Embodied Cognition

MA in Philosophy of Mind and Embodied Cognition

This unique Masters course examines the intersection of philosophy, phenomenology and the cognitive sciences to explore the profound relationship between mind, body and world. By examining the role of the body in shaping perception, emotions and attention, students gain a deeper understanding of the mind and its place in the natural world. The programme offers small-group seminars with the opportunity to engage in philosophical debates to enhance critical thinking and presentation skills.

The MA in Philosophy of Mind and Embodied Cognition draws upon the research interests of a stellar faculty of philosophers, psychologists and cognitive scientists at UCD. It brings together expertise from the phenomenological and analytic traditions in philosophy alongside empirical approaches to the study of the mind and brain to offer a unique taught Masters programme on this much-discussed and important topic.

Programme Content and Structure (2025/26)

The programme is available over one year full-time or two years part-time, consisting of six or more taught modules (up to a minimum of 60 credits), which may be selected as follows.

(A)  Core Module (1)

One core module, compulsory for all students on the programme, in the Autumn trimester. Note: part-time students must take this module in their first year.

• PHIL40970 Topics in Philosophy of Mind and Cognition (10 credits)

(B)  Philosophy Options (2–5)

Students should select a total of 50 additional credits from the options below, optionally including up to 30 credits of interdisciplinary modules from the Cognitive Science MSc programme. Descriptions of current philosophy modules may be found here.

Autumn Trimester

• PHIL31030 Philosophy of Perception & the Senses (10 credits)
• PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception (10 credits)
• PHIL40410 Philosophy & Literature (10 credits)
• PHIL41240 John Henry Newman: Philosophical Perspectives (10 credits)
• PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory (10 credits)
• PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philosophy (10 credits)
• PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life (10 credits)
• PHIL41530 Reading & Research* (10 credits)
• PHIL41890 Authenticity & Implicit Attitudes (10 credits)

Spring Trimester

• PHIL40420 The Good Society (10 credits)
• PHIL40960 The Cultural Mind (10 credits)
• PHIL41350 Metaphysics (10 credits)
• PHIL41530 Reading & Research* (10 credits)
• PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction and Deconstruction (10 credits)
• PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche (10 credits)
• PHIL41920 Love & Friendship in Early Modern Philosophy (10 credits)
• PHIL41960 Environmental Ethics

(opens in a new window)(C)  Cognitive Science Options (0–4)

Up to 30 credits of the following modules from UCD’s interdisciplinary (opens in a new window)Cognitive Science Programme. Further details about Computer Science modules may be found here. Note that some of these options may require prior experience. Please refer to the module prerequisites for details before registration.

Autumn Trimester

• COMP40250 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (7·5 credits)**
• COMP47230 Introduction to Cognitive Science (7·5 credits)**
• PSY40820 Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuropsychology (10 credits)

Spring Trimester

• COMP20330 Functional Programming II (5 credits)**
• COMP40260 Connectionism & Dynamical Systems (7·5 credits)**
• COMP40280 Embodied & Enactive Approaches to Cognitive Science (7·5 credits)**
• COMP47980 Generative AI: Language Models (5 credits)**
• SOC41130 AI & Society (10 credits)
  

*May be taken on its own in conjunction with one of our undergraduate modules in Philosophy by agreement with the Module Coordinator.

**5- and 7·5-credit modules may be taken in conjunction with one or both of the Guided Reading modules, PHIL40980 and PHIL40990, to make up the required number of credits.

Please note that the list of available modules and programme structure change from year to year. Some of the above modules may not run in 2026/27, but additional options will be made available.

Consult one of the Programme Directors if you are unsure how many modules or credits to take, or if you are unsure whether a particular module may be suitable for you.

(D)  Dissertation

In addition, all students must complete a 12,000–15,000 word dissertation by mid-August. Students are encouraged to discuss possible topics with their lecturers as early as possible.

Note: Part-time students must complete their dissertation in the second year.

(opens in a new window)Entry Requirements for Taught MA Programmes

• A BA with a 2:1 or above (a GPA of approx. 3·2) in Philosophy, or international equivalent
  
  or
  
  
• A Joint Major BA with a 2:1 in Philosophy and a 2:2 or above in the second subject and
• A Postgraduate Diploma with a 2:1 or above in Philosophy

However, all applications are assessed on a case by case basis, and so students with a 2:2 in Philosophy should also consider applying.

Required Application Documents and What We Look For 

1. Two academic references: These should be from academic referees who can speak to your promise as an MA student. Referees may send their letters directly to (opens in a new window)philosophy@ucd.ie or you can upload them to the portal, depending on your referees’ preference. 
2. Writing sample: A philosophical essay or paper of up to 3,000 words (for example, an undergraduate essay submitted as part of your undergraduate degree on a philosophical topic of your choice). We assess the quality of arguments, intellectual maturity, and clarity of style.
3. Statement of personal interest: A short statement (maximum 1,000 words) explaining your motivation for further study, research interests, and your reasons for applying to UCD School of Philosophy.
4. Academic transcripts: Official transcripts for all university-level study. These help us to evaluate your coursework performance, grades, and consistency of achievement.
5. Proof of English language proficiency: Fluency in written English is required. If you are not a native speaker of English and your secondary education or university degree has not been carried out in English, then you must have a minimum score of 6·5 IELTS (minimum of 6·0 in each band), and submit evidence of this in your application. Please consult this page for further details.