1. What do you like most about your course?

The course has a varied, interesting series of modules which give a broad overview of lots of different areas of philosophy, such as aesthetics, critical theory, and phenomenology, as well as looking backwards to more classical texts. I chose the course specifically because of my interest in the work of Henri Bergson, and his influence on subsequent thinkers like Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Gilles Deleuze. Manchester Met is relatively rare in relation to other universities I had looked at in that it has staff who specialise in areas such as phenomenology and critical animal studies. Animal studies remains an under-represented field in philosophy, and so having access to staff with a good grounding in this area, and in particular its relation to theoretical aspects of philosophy, has been invaluable to my development as a researcher. I also liked the different aspects of aesthetic philosophy which the course offered; a module in film and another in the use of aesthetics in Merleau-Ponty and Heidegger. The module on film, for example, provided a good opportunity to ‘apply’ philosophy to a different field as a form of critical and theoretical engagement.

2. What made you choose Manchester Met?

Manchester Met offered the opportunity to study online and already had a good infrastructure to do so. The faculty in the philosophy department had a range of research specialisms which appealed to me, so I knew that I would fit in with their research culture. I also knew that Manchester Met has excellent library facilities, which is important for a field as heavily research-based as philosophy.

3. What were your lecturers like and how did they help you to succeed throughout your course?

I found the faculty to be superb, with all the tutors being very engaging and providing well-structured, interesting lectures. They also provided a lot of support with assignments through additional supervisory meetings, email feedback and seminars. Since finishing the MA course I have started a PhD under the supervision of one of the faculty, Dr. Wahida Khandker, who was instrumental in helping me successfully apply for both the PhD and for the NWCDTP funding award which I have received.

4. What skills do you feel you have gained/developed during your studies at Manchester Met?

As well as developing my writing skills, the course provided a good grounding in critical thinking and textual analysis. This is something I see as transferable to my PhD research, as well as to my everyday life. The seminar sessions also provided lots of opportunity for building confidence in presenting my arguments to groups, and critically engaging with the arguments of others.

Find out more about MA Philosophy.