Course description
This programme offers students the opportunity to focus in detail on a chosen area of the subject, while still being able to take some taught courses. It is intended for those who already have a good background in Philosophy, typically from undergraduate study. The main part of the programme will involve writing a dissertation, and it is recommended that candidates should have an idea of their chosen topic or area before applying. Students are given support in developing this topic during the year by an appointed supervisor and by dedicated training in research methodology. Courses are offered from the wide range of subjects taught at Masters level within Philosophy.
Learning Outcomes
The Philosophy MSc provides students with the training necessary to proceed to undertake research in philosophy, and ultimately to pursue a career in academic philosophy. For those not intending to follow an academic route, the study of philosophy helps to develop general intellectual abilities and enhance analytical, critical, interpretive and problem-solving abilities.
How You Will Be Taught
Students must write a dissertation, and are advised to take two taught courses (further courses may also be attended, but not for credit). In this case, the final mark for the programme will be determined by a weighted combination of the marks for coursework and the dissertation. In some cases it may be possible to register for a dissertation only. Teaching will typically be in small groups, and supervision is organised on the basis of one-to-one contact with one or a small number of expert supervisors.
All postgraduates are encouraged to attend any seminars they think might interest them. Readings for courses are in a box on the bookshelf in the Kemp Smith Room.
Semester 1
o Advanced Philosophical Topics [P01276]
o Ancient Philosophy (Survey) [P01273]
o Introduction to Philosophical Method [P01264]
o Introduction to Mind, Language, and Embodied Cognition [P01752]
o Value Theory 1 [P01262]
o Ancient Philosophical (Texts 1) [P01274]
o Minds and Bodies: Theories of the Realtion of Mind and Body in Early Modern Philosophy [P02177]
Semester 2
o Advanced Philosophical Method [P01265]
o Advanced Topics in Mind, Language, and Embodied Cognition [P01753]
o Ancient Philosophy (Texts 2) [P01275]
o Philosophy of Perception and Action [P01269]
o Value Theory 2 [P1263]
Additional Courses
In addition to the above courses, students are also able to take any level 10 course that is run at level 11. This year these courses include:
Semester 1
o Aesthetics [P02285]
o Feminism [P01287]
o Individual and Collective Agency [P02011]
o Mathematical Logic [P02170]
o Moral Psychology [P01290]
o Nietzche [P01329]
o Philosophy of Religion [P01286]
o Theories of Mind and Body in Early Modern Philosophy [P01277]
o Theory of Virtue [P01288]
Semester 2
o Aesthetics [P01289]
o Bounded Rationality [P02017]
o History of Modern British Philosophy [P02195]
o Legal and Political Philosophy [P02172]
o Meta-Ethics [P02024]
o Modern Continental Philosophy [P01284]
o Philosophy and the Environment [P02174]
o Philosophy of Language [P01282]
o Philosophy of Mathematics [P02171]
o Philosophy of Science [P01283]
o The Philosophy of Wittgenstein [P01279]
o Theories of Mind [P01281]
