Master of Philosophy in Philosophy Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

Master of Philosophy in Philosophy or M.Phil. (Philosophy) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate course, the minimum eligibility for which is a master’s degree in Science, Arts or Engineering. Students need to score minimum 55% marks in their chosen subject at the post-graduate level in order to be eligible for an M.Phil. course. A written test followed by a round of Personal Interview may be conducted to test the student’s knowledge. The course duration may also vary according to the rules and regulations of the respective institution.

Some of the top colleges offering M.Phil. (Philosophy) course are mentioned below.

• Punjab University
• University of Delhi
• Kurukshetra University
• Savitribai Phule Pune University

The course is best suited for candidates who seek a job in areas such as national health services, civil service, advertising, marketing and public elations agencies investment banks, and the likes. Students seeking admission in M.Phil. in Philosophy must possess keen analytical and reasoning skills. They will be required to construct sound arguments which requires analysing and distinguishing the fine and minute differences between views and find a common ground. At the end of course, the students will have a sound knowledge of the techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their respective researches.

Such students may be hired as Teachers/Professors, Novelist/Non-Fiction Writer/Poet, Technical Writer, chief Executive Officer, Mediator, Public Relation Journalist, Counsellor and Therapist, etc. in areas such as Coaching Centers, Editing and Publishing Houses, Mediation Centres, Public Relations and Journalism, Philosophical Counselling/Philosophical Practices, etc.

The average annual fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 2,000 to 1 lakh per academic year whereas the average salary offered to such professionals ranges between INR 2 lacs to 12 lacs per annum, increasing with experience and expertise.

M.Phil. in Philosophy: Course Highlights

M.Phil. in Philosophy: What is it about?

M.Phil. in Philosophy has been designed to offer to eligible candidates a comprehensive course in the higher and more nuanced studies of Philosophy. The course requires students to have innate problem-solving and analytical skills along with keen understanding and communication abilities. Such candidates are required to be able to construct practical arguments and communicate them in an understandable and well thought-out manner.

The course concentrates on the theoretical basis of a branch of knowledge or experience. Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems such as those connected to existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Students, during these 2 years will be working on two term papers, two seminar papers, dissertation since the course is heavily research based. It serves as the most efficient base for students who wish to seek further education in Philosophy such as a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

The students will also be capable of demonstrating originality in the application of knowledge, teamed with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field. For this, students must be very hard-working and must possess the capacity of independent study and thought. They must also possess clear communication and presentation skills. They will often be under the pressure of chasing deadlines and hence must know how to prioritise and function efficiently according to time crunches. After successful completion of the course, students will be fully eligible to pursue employment in schools and colleges.

Top Institutes Offering M.Phil. in Philosophy

Listed below are some of the top institutes in India that offer the course.

Eligibility for M.Phil. in Philosophy

Candidates who wish to pursue the course must fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria.

• Completion of Master’s degree in Science, Arts or Engineering
• A minimum of 55% marks in their chosen subject at post-graduate level

M.Phil. in Philosophy: Admission Process

Admission to the course is based on an entrance test conducted by various colleges/universities to test the student’s knowledge. If the candidate clears the written text, he/she will be required to appear for a personal interview.

Some such entrance tests held in the country for admission are:

• University of Delhi, New Delhi

• Osmania University, Hyderabad
• Christ University, Bangalore
• University of Calcutta, Calcutta

M.Phil. in Philosophy: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated here.

During the first two semesters the students are required to complete the course as under:

During the first two semesters, students are required to present two seminars and to submit two book reviews & one research proposal.

M.Phil in Philosophy: Career Prospects

M.Phil. in Philosophy course caters to students who seek jobs in areas such as national health services, civil service, advertising, marketing and public relations agencies investment banks, and the likes. It concentrates on the study of Philosophy which essentially focuses on general and fundamental problems pertaining to existence, knowledge, value, reason, mind, and language. It requires candidates to possess keen problem-solving and understanding skills. They might be subject to work under tight deadlines in their chosen professional careers.

Candidates who are hard-working, patient and possess the will and ability to conduct independent study and thought along with understanding and analysing abilities are best suited for the course.  At the end of the course, they will have a sound knowledge of the techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their respective researches. The curriculum will involve two term papers, dissertation, and two seminar papers.

Besides theoretical knowledge, candidates must be able to sustain and thrive in their chosen academic careers. Not only this, they must also possess clear communication and presentation skills when working as a counsellor and therapist or as a mediator. It will also be useful for when the student applies for further education in the field, such as a Ph.D degree in Philosophy.

Such graduates may be hired as Teachers/Professors, Novelist/Non-Fiction Writer/Poet, Technical Writer, chief Executive Officer, Mediator, Public Relation Journalist, Counsellor and Therapist, etc. in areas such as Coaching Centres, Editing and Publishing Houses, Mediation Centres, Public Relations and Journalism, Philosophical Counselling/Philosophical Practices, etc.

Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful graduates of the course are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Aspirants seeking admission to 1 Year Full-Time M.Phil Program must have completed Post Graduation from the recognised Institute or University.