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 as the strongest department in the UK for the philosophy of biology and the joint strongest for general philosophy of science. The department is home to the Centre for Science and Philosophy and currently hosts a number of major research grants in the philosophy of science, including an ERC Advanced Grant on "Representing Evolution", investigating how biological evolution is represented in scientific literature and communication. 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 and will be encouraged to take part in our regular research seminars, workshops and reading groups, including regular seminars in philosophy of science, featuring well-known scholars in the field from Bristol and beyond. There is also a dedicated postgraduate seminar, where you will have the opportunity to present your own work, helping you to develop your ideas in a supportive environment.
Assessment method
https://bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2023/ma-philosophy-biological-cognitive-sciences.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) with a minimum average of 65%. 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. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £6300 | Year 1 |
| England | £6300 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6300 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6300 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6300 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
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