Course summary

The MPhil in Philosophy is a full-time course, introducing students to the skills needed in philosophical research. Students work with supervisors to write two research essays: the first of up to 4,000 words, the second of up to 8,000 words; and a dissertation of up to 12,000 words. Students also take part as a group in a collaborative weekly seminar, run during Michaelmas and Lent Terms, in which they learn presentation and discussion skills by presenting their own research and by discussing presentations by other students. The main aims of the MPhil in Philosophy are:

• to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and

• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;

• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;

• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; and

• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.