Course summary
The Department of Philosophy has outstanding research strength in the fields of philosophy of biology, philosophy of psychology and philosophy of cognitive sciences. We are ranked by the latest Philosophical Gourmet Report (2017/18) as the strongest department in the UK for the philosophy of biology and the joint strongest for general philosophy of science. The department was recently home to a European Research Council project on Darwinism and the Theory of Rational Choice that explored connections between biological and cognitive science research. This MA builds on these outstanding research strengths. It is intended for graduates of philosophy, psychology or biology who wish to study philosophy of science with an emphasis on the biological and cognitive sciences. The programme focuses on philosophical issues arising from these scientific disciplines. The history of science is studied in terms of the philosophical debate about the nature of scientific method and knowledge. As a postgraduate student, you will be an active member of the department’s flourishing research culture. You will be encouraged to attend and participate in both the weekly departmental research seminar and in the Philosophy and History of Science seminar, which often features well-known scholars in the field, from Bristol and beyond. The department has strong links with the School of Psychological Science, the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology.
Modules
The MA consists of taught components, examined by essay, and a dissertation. You will take six taught units, normally three in each term. Satisfactory completion of terms one and two will allow you to progress to writing a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on an approved topic of your choice. The dissertation is your chance to produce an extended piece of philosophical research that can act as preparation for a graduate research degree. You will have supervisory meetings with a member of staff who will provide feedback on a draft of your work. You will also have the option of taking a supervised individual study unit on cognitive anthropology and cultural evolution in association with the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology. Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Philosophy of Biological and Cognitive Sciences. http://www.bris.ac.uk/unit-programme-catalogue/RouteStructure.jsa?byCohort=N&ayrCode=22%2F23&programmeCode=1PHIL012T
How to apply
International applicants
We welcome students from all over the world. We currently have students from more than 120 countries studying here at Bristol. Having a diverse cultural community provides a stimulating environment for both teaching and learning, for more information please visit: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) with a minimum average of 65 per cent. This is usually in philosophy or a science subject (typically biological science or psychology). Alternative qualifications can be considered if the relevant skills are demonstrated, applicants who do not hold a Philosophy degree will be required to upload a writing sample.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £5350 | Year 1 |
| England | £5350 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5350 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5350 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5350 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts funding pages. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/gradschool/funding/ University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/awards/alumni-discount/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Senate House
Tyndall Avenue
Bristol
BS8 1TH