Epistemology, Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip, PgCert
Awards: MSc, PgDip, PgCert
Study modes: Full-time, Part-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 and philosophy of cognitive science
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.
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.
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 and philosophy of cognitive science
Options courses
Advanced, optional 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.
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 provides you with a range of knowledge and skills to prepare you for a variety of career paths, including, but not limited to, further postgraduate study in philosophy.
We have graduates in PhD programmes across the world, including:
- University of Oxford
- University of Birmingham
- University of Illinois
- those who have chosen to pursue their studies further at Edinburgh.
Others are teaching philosophy at community colleges and high schools. Our graduates consistently tell us that the skills they have learned through the degree have influenced their thinking both in their careers and more generally through life.
This programme would be an ideal foundation for further graduate work in philosophy.
These entry requirements are for the 2022/23 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2023/24 academic year will be published on 3 October 2022.
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.
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
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
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.
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, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
(*Revised 17 November 2021 to add accepted PTE Academic qualifications.)
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:
Read our general information on tuition fees and studying costs:
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
- your tuition fee 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 Alasdair Richmond
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5002
- Contact: A.Richmond@ed.ac.uk
- PPLS Postgraduate Office
- Dugald Stewart Building
- 3 Charles Street
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AD
Applying
This programme is not currently accepting applications. Applications for the next intake usually open in October.
Start date: September
Awards: MSc (12 mth FT, 24-48 mth PT), PgDip (9 mth FT, 24-48 mth PT), PgCert (12-24 mth PT)
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 December | 31 January |
2 | 1 June | 01 August |
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.
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 Alasdair Richmond
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5002
- Contact: A.Richmond@ed.ac.uk
- PPLS Postgraduate Office
- Dugald Stewart Building
- 3 Charles Street
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AD