Philosophy MA with Thesis

Application Requirements​

The two-year Masters Degree is aimed at preparing students to produce high-level doctoral or professional work at leading institutions. The Department accepts applications from talented students of diverse academic backgrounds, including different levels of prior experience in philosophy. Our faculty offer expert instruction and supervision on a wide range of philosophical topics, but students may pursue additional specialization in one of the Department’s strengths by earning the Certificate in Ancient Philosophy or the Certificate in Mind & Language.

Applicants should read the following requirements carefully before applying. 

1. Statement of purpose

A statement of purpose/cover letter of around one page. Applicants should explain their reasons for pursuing graduate studies in philosophy at Koç University.

2. Letters of recommendation

We require two letters of recommendation by persons well qualified to speak from first-hand knowledge about the applicant’s potential for graduate study in philosophy. Letters of recommendation must be submitted online by the recommender.

3. Writing sample

The writing sample should be approximately 3000 words and should demonstrate the applicant’s potential for philosophical analysis and argument.

4. Written exam

Applicants will be contacted by the admissions committee to schedule a written exam. Applicants who fail to take the written exam will not be admitted.

5. Transcripts

We strongly encourage applicants to submit a scanned image of their transcript at the time of application, which can speed up processing. A final, official transcript will be required of all admitted students during registration.

Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by a professional translation.

A minimum 2.5 GPA is required.

6. Language requirements

Applicants need to have taken one of the following exams and have at least the minimum score listed below. Native English speakers do not need to take an English exam.

TOEFL: 80

YDS: 80

YÖKDİL: 80

7. ALES or GRE

Applicants must have their results from the GRE (for foreign applicants) or ALES (for Turkish applicants) sent to the Graduate School. Applicants must in addition upload available scores during online application. (You may leave these spaces empty if your scores are not available at the time of application, but you must submit these scores as soon as they are announced.)

The following are the minimum requirements.

ALES:  70

GRE Quantitative: 149

We do not admit students without ALES and/or GRE scores.