Epistemology, Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgDip
Awards: MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgDip
Study modes: Part-time Intermittent Study, Full-time
Online learning
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Epistemology, Ethics and Mind (Online Learning)
The programme has fostered in me a strong, foundational understanding in all three disciplines, and as such, continues to promote my maturation as a philosopher, providing me with the tools I need to develop further my personal, philosophic interests.
This innovative online programme offers you a thorough grounding in contemporary philosophical research. It allows you to take advantage of Edinburgh’s remarkable range of expertise in the core philosophical areas of:
- epistemology
- ethics
- philosophy of mind
- cognitive science
Learning online
Our state-of-the-art e-learning software and extensive digital resources allow you to gain a world-class graduate qualification online.
You will also benefit from the flexible structure of the programme. You will develop your own specialised interest under the expert guidance of our distinguished academics.
Associated research centre
The programme is affiliated with the Eidyn Research Centre and draws on its cutting-edge research in philosophy.
This is an online only programme that will be taught through a combination of:
- short video lectures
- web discussion boards
- video conferencing
- online exercises
You will have regular access both to faculty and dedicated teaching assistants, including one-to-one interactions.
You will also interact with other students on the programme as part of a dedicated virtual learning environment.
Studying online at Edinburgh
Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of studying for an online degree:
Compulsory courses
You will study compulsory courses in philosophical methodology and the areas of:
- epistemology
- ethics
- philosophy of mind
- cognitive science
Options courses
Advanced option courses are available in:
- philosophy of science
- philosophy of religion.
Possible exit routes
The programme is also available as either a:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) - 9 months
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - 21 months
Dissertation
In taking the full MSc (2 years), you will write a dissertation on a research topic developed in consultation with your supervisor.
How will I be taught?
This programme is taught through a combination of:
- short video lectures
- web discussion boards
- video conferencing
- online exercises
You will also have regular one-to-one interaction with teaching staff or with other students.
*(Revised 8 October 2020 to remove 9 month, 21 month and 2 year study durations for PgCert, PgDip and MSc, respectively.)
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2020/21 | |
PgDip (ICL) | Up to 4 Years | Part-time Intermittent Study | Programme structure 2020/21 | |
PgCert (ICL) | Up to 2 Years | Part-time Intermittent Study | Programme structure 2020/21 | |
PgDip | 9 Months | Full-time | Programme structure 2020/21 |
The MSc/PgDip/PgCert in Epistemology, Ethics and Mind aims to:
- provide you with a broad knowledge of contemporary philosophical work in epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science
- provide a basis for research in philosophy, especially in the core areas of philosophy constituted by epistemology, ethics and philosophy of mind and cognitive science
- provide a broad grounding in the research methods of philosophy
- develop your analytical skills
This programme would be an ideal foundation for further graduate work in philosophy.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in philosophy.
We will also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in politics, classics or cognitive science, if you have taken courses in philosophy at undergraduate level.
We may consider your application if you have a background in another related area; please contact us to check before you apply.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 23 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Up to 4 Years | Part-time Intermittent Study | Tuition fees | |
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees | |
PgDip (ICL) | Up to 4 Years | Part-time Intermittent Study | Tuition fees | |
PgCert (ICL) | Up to 2 Years | Part-time Intermittent Study | Tuition fees | |
PgDip | 9 Months | Full-time | Tuition fees |
Featured funding
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- PPLS Postgraduate Office
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5002
- Contact: pplspg@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Suilin Lavelle
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5002
- Contact: j.s.lavelle@ed.ac.uk
- PPLS Postgraduate Office
- Dugald Stewart Building
- 3 Charles Street
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AD
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Epistemology Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) (ICL) - 2-4 Years (Part-time Intermittent Study)
MSc Epistemology Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) - 1 Year (Full-time)
PgDip Epistemology Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) (ICL) - 2-4 Years (Part-time Intermittent Study)
PgCert Epistemology Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) (ICL) - 1-2 Years (Part-time Intermittent Study)
PgDip Epistemology Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) - 9 Months (Full-time)
Programme start date | Application deadline |
---|---|
13 September 2021 | 1 June 2021 |
We operate a gathered field approach to applications. This means that all complete applications will be held until the nearest deadline and the admissions panel will meet to consider all applications received together after that date.
To be considered as having met the deadline, your application must include transcripts and an academic reference.
Applications are held for processing over two deadlines:
Round | Application deadline | Places awarded |
---|---|---|
1 | 1 February 2021 | 31 March 2021 |
2 | 1 June 2021 | 31 July 2021 |
Supporting documents and references
Applications must be complete with all supporting documentation to be passed on for consideration, this includes references.
Please ensure that you inform referees of any deadline you wish to meet.
You must submit one reference with your application.
References
You will be asked to add contact details for your referees. We will email them with information on how to upload their reference directly to your online application. Alternatively, they can email their comments to:
Personal statement
In addition to the supporting documents requested on the application form, you should include a personal statement detailing the background of your interest and why you are attracted to the programme.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- PPLS Postgraduate Office
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5002
- Contact: pplspg@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Suilin Lavelle
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5002
- Contact: j.s.lavelle@ed.ac.uk
- PPLS Postgraduate Office
- Dugald Stewart Building
- 3 Charles Street
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AD