Philosophy - MSc

Our Philosophy MSc offers you the opportunity to work closely with our staff in courses based upon their own expertise and current research. It will introduce you to the cutting edge of recent developments in analytic philosophy, from the practical and applied, to the most theoretical end of the subject.

Why this programme

• This programme reflects developments at the forefront of the discipline, drawing upon our staff’s extensive and internationally recognised expertise in philosophy of perception, epistemology, philosophy of emotion, moral philosophy and more.
• MSc students will be embedded in a vibrant philosophical research community. Glasgow hosts the interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Perceptual Experience bringing together philosophers and scientists to work on the nature of the mind. The Centre has philosophy specialists not only in perceptual experience but also virtual reality, emotions and hedonics. Philosophy also hosts the research group COGITO, which undertakes work in contemporary analytic epistemology—especially social epistemology and virtue epistemology—and has one of the world’s largest concentrations of specialists in these areas; and also the Forum for Quine and the History of Analytic Philosophy, which builds on our local expertise and research links with other UK universities.
• We host an annual reading party in the Highlands at which students also present papers and are coached on their writing and presentation skills.
• Philosophy at the University of Glasgow has an illustrious history of original thinkers going against the grain of orthodoxy. Its past professors include such giants of empiricism as Adam Smith and Thomas Reid.

Programme structure

The programme consists of a choice of four semester-length courses across a range of philosophical topics, all driven by the cutting-edge research of our professors and lecturers. There is also a 10,000–15,000-word dissertation to be completed on a topic of your choice, supported by an expert supervisor over the summer, as well as a year-long core course offering training in philosophical research methods.

Optional courses

In Semester 1, you can choose two optional courses from:

• Moral Philosophy
• Philosophy of Mind A
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Language

In Semester 2, you can choose two optional courses from:

• Political Philosophy
• Philosophy of Mind B (Perception)
• Metaphysics
• Philosophical Methodology

Programme alteration or discontinuation

The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

Philosophy students at Glasgow receive rigorous and personalised training in problem solving skills, writing skills, presentation and research skills.

All these skills are widely applicable and recognised to be exceptionally valuable in a wide range of careers, including journalism, teaching, the Civil Service, local government, business, publishing, law, and the arts.

This degree also provides an exceptional foundation for philosophical research at the doctoral level.

More Information on this Programme

• Staff research expertise

Visit the Philosophy - MSc page on the University of Glasgow website for more details!