Philosophy at the University of Essex takes philosophy back to its roots in everyday existential, social and political issues. Their radical approach cuts across traditional boundaries, fostering dialogue between different schools and disciplines, and they are one of the few universities in the world that bridges the divide between the two great traditions of Analytic and Continental philosophy.

Essex's MA Philosophy will provide students with a rigorous grounding in modern and contemporary European philosophy. They have leading expertise in critical theory, phenomenology, German Idealism, nineteenth Century German philosophy, aesthetics, existentialism, contemporary French philosophy, philosophy and psychoanalysis, and medical humanities. Students study modules of their choice, develop their research, writing, and employability skills through an intensive Writing Workshop, and prepare an MA dissertation in their chosen area of research. As an alternative to Essex's more flexible MA Philosophy, students can focus their study on a more specific area by following one of the following pathways: Continental Philosophy Pathway, Critical Social Theory Pathway, and Philosophy and Art History Pathway. Essex's department has been ranked in the Top 20 in the UK for research excellence. Many of Essex's philosophy graduates embark on doctoral study after finishing their MA. Essex offers supervision for PhDs in a range of fields including: continental philosophy, critical social theory, history of philosophy, and applied ethics. Essex's graduates have also gone into careers in law, the media, local administration, HM Revenue and Customs, and top jobs in the Civil Service.