Philosophy tackles some of the deepest and most complex questions about humanity and its place in the world. This programme will allow you to study the key debates, trends and approaches in different areas of philosophy while improving your skills in research and critical analysis.
Core modules will give you an overview of different topics in analytic philosophy, from philosophy of mind, religion, language and science to epistemology, ethics, aesthetics and metaphysics. You’ll also choose from a variety of modules specialising in the areas and topics that interest you the most.
You’ll be supported by active researchers in a stimulating environment based around our six research centres, with access to excellent library resources covering a broad span of subjects. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain diverse skills for a wide range of careers, as well as further study.
This programme is also available to study part-time over 24 months.
Throughout the course you’ll take two core modules introducing you to different topics, approaches and methods in areas of analytic philosophy. You’ll explore current and historical debates in subfields including metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, ethics, metaethics, aesthetics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of science— all while improving your skills in research and critical thinking.
From this foundation, you’ll build specialist knowledge in areas that particularly interest you with your choice of optional modules. You can take an upper-level undergraduate module (with boosted assessment requirements) to fill gaps in your background knowledge, sign up for an independent study, or choose from several MA modules the School has to offer.
You’ll continue to specialise when you complete your dissertation – an independent research project on a topic of your choice that allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you’ve gained. You can choose to swap one of your optional modules to extend your dissertation if you want to go into even more depth.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.
Compulsory modules
You’ll study three compulsory modules including your dissertation, as well as a single optional module. If you choose the standard dissertation (60 credits) rather than the extended dissertation (90 credits), you can take a further optional module.
Optional modules
For more information on typical modules, read Philosophy MA Full Time in the course catalogue
For more information on typical modules, read Philosophy MA Part Time in the course catalogue
Most of our modules are taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, where you can discuss the issues arising from your reading with fellow students and your tutor. You’ll also have one-to-one supervisions while you work on your dissertation. Independent study is also an important element of the programme, allowing you to develop your skills and pursue your own interests more closely.
We use different forms of assessment, including essays, seminar participation and your dissertation.
This programme will allow you to explore the philosophical themes and ideas that lie behind modern science.
You’ll discuss a range of issues that animate debates in contemporary philosophy of science, gaining an insight into how we understand science and how this has changed over time. You’ll think about the nature and extent of scientific knowledge and explanation, for example, as well as specialising in topics that suit your interests, from the metaphysics of science to epistemological topics such as realism and representation.
Our core module will introduce you to concepts and trends in philosophy of science, while you’ll select optional modules on topics of your choice. You could even broaden your approach by taking a module in Analytic Philosophy or the history of modern science communication, or gain more research experience by extending your dissertation.
Guided by internationally renowned researchers in our Centre for History and Philosophy of Science, you’ll learn in a supportive and stimulating environment.
We have world-class research resources to support your studies. In addition to its collections in history and philosophy, the Brotherton Library houses extensive manuscript, archive and printed material in its Special Collections, including Newton’s Principia, a first edition of his Opticks and thousands of books and journals on topics in the history of science. The Edward Boyle Library also possesses an extensive collection of works in the philosophy of science and across the full range of scientific topics in general.
The Centre also hosts a number of research seminars given by visiting speakers, staff members and doctoral students and which all postgraduate students are encouraged to attend. There are also regular reading groups on a wide range of topics and the seminar series of other centres within the School are also available.
From the start of the programme you’ll explore issues and concepts in philosophy of science, as a core module introduces you to classic debates and recent trends in the subject. You’ll then build on this knowledge when you choose from a range of optional modules throughout the year, allowing you to specialise in areas such as the philosophy of physics, philosophy of biology, or realism and representation in science.
Throughout the year, you’ll gain a firm foundation in philosophy of science as well as in-depth knowledge of specialist topics. You’ll take this a step further with your dissertation, an independently researched piece of work on a topic of your choice that gives you the chance to showcase your skills.
If you want to go into greater depth, you have the choice to extend your dissertation. Alternatively, you can select another module on a topic such as modern science communication or analytic philosophy, putting your research into a broader context.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.
You’ll take two compulsory modules, though you can choose whether to take a standard (60 credits) or extended (90 credits) dissertation. You’ll then choose one or two optional modules.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Most of our taught modules combine seminars and tutorials, where you will discuss issues and concepts stemming from your reading with a small group of students and your tutor. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one supervision while you complete your dissertation. Independent study is also an important element of the programme, allowing you to develop your skills and pursue your own interests more closely.
We assess your progress using a combination of exams and coursework, giving you the freedom to research and write on topic areas that suit your interests within each module you study.
The subject knowledge you’ll gain from this programme, as well as the advanced skills in research, analysis and communication, will open doors to a wide range of careers.
This programme is good preparation for fields such as public engagement with science, but graduates from our School have pursued diverse careers in fields such as teaching, consultancy, business management, administration, accountancy and the civil service among others. Many of our graduates also go onto further study at PhD level and continue to work in academia.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Funding support is available for postgraduate study at the University of the Highlands and Islands
