Course Structure

Students complete two required modules: a HAP7001 research methods module and an Applied Philosophy module. Students also complete four additional modules from a range of options, and then complete a dissertation on a topic of particular interest, supported by a dissertation advisor.

Module Overview

Autumn semester
• HAP7001 Approaches to Research Design
• PHL7060 Applied Philosophy
• Students will also choose one from the following Modules:
• PHL7058 Global Histories of Philosophy
• PHL7064 Philosophies of Habit and Addiction


Spring semester
• Students must take THREE of the following modules:
• PHL7038 Philosophy of Conflict and War
• PHL7057 Social Injustice
• PHL7062 Ethics, Law, and Responsibility
• PHL7063 Knowledge and Ignorance
• PHL7061 Individually Negotiated Topic

Summer semester
• PHL9099 Dissertation

1. HAP7001 Research Methods: This module is offered to all HAPP PGR students. It introduces some important themes in the philosophy of the social sciences, develops students' skills in research design and incorporates research ethics training.

2. PHL7060 Applied Philosophy: Our Philosophy cohort-building module in applied philosophy develops students’ philosophical methods.

3. PHL 9099 Philosophy Dissertation: Students are allocated an individual supervisor, with whom they work closely throughout the research, drafting and writing of a dissertation on an individually chosen issue.

Optional modules

1. PHL7057 Social Injustice: This module examines the problem of social injustice in contemporary, plural societies.

2. PHL7038 Philosophy of Conflict and War: This module explores the moral and ethical questions posed by serious political conflict, in particular those posed by war and other forms of violent collective struggle.

3. PHL7062 Ethics, Law, and Responsibility: This module focuses on the theme of responsibility to engage fundamental issues in ethics and the philosophy of law.

4. PHL7058 Global Histories of Philosophy: This module shows how historical texts within and across diverse global philosophical traditions help us to engage with contemporary help us to engage with contemporary issues in social epistemology, social metaphysics, ethics, and politics.

5. PHL7063 Knowledge and Ignorance: This module explores the ways questions of knowledge and ignorance shape our social world, for better and worse.

6. PHL7064 Philosophies of Habit and Addiction: This module addresses habit as an issue in the philosophy of mind, psychology and the neurosciences,

7. PHL7061 Individually Negotiated Topic

Teaching Times

Teaching times will fall Monday-Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning focuses upon critical reading, writing, and thinking. Weekly module seminars are grounded in small and large group discussion, presentations, and learning activities.

Additional learning opportunities are provided by weekly research seminars in term time given by visiting speakers in Philosophy, as well as research events in HAPP and beyond.

Learning materials focus upon texts, and may also include films, blogs, and podcasts. Learning materials and issues will be drawn from a range of scholarly traditions and geographic locations.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to -

• Cognitive Skills

  • Identify and solve, resolve or dissolve conceptual problems; read and critically assess relevant academic sources; analyse and criticise arguments, identifying fallacies therein.
  • Synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement, primarily through essay writing; identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems; gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources, so as to formulate and support a line of reasoning, or argument.
  • Make judgments on the basis of varied and problematic evidence and according to the persuasiveness of the arguments or the reliability of the evidence used; evaluate sources critically in their context; discriminate between what is central and what is peripheral to the issue in question; assess and appraise differing views on significant areas of academic debate.
  • Structure, manage and adapt strategies for self-directed independent research; work autonomously; reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback; produce intellectually coherent academic analysis under time-managed conditions and within word limits.

• Knowledge and Understanding

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a range of sub-fields in the discipline including ethics, epistemology, philosophy of science, political philosophy, and history of philosophy.
  • Apply philosophy to practical issues, for example in the area of applied ethics.
  • Critically discuss some of the central problems and issues in contemporary philosophy.
  • Critically discuss key texts and ideas in the global history of philosophy, along with an appreciation of the plurality of global traditions and histories of philosophy and how the contemporary discipline has developed out of those histories.
  • Employ key concepts and tools that are used in philosophical reasoning, with an informed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of multiple approaches and methodologies.

• Subject Specific Skills

  • Read and interact with seminal philosophical texts, in appreciation of their philosophical insights and modes of argument; research philosophical topics using appropriate tools and resources.
  • Solve problems, process and prioritize a wide variety of information, and express arguments and positions in oral and written form.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of key debates arising out of philosophical inquiry, conducted in its various domains.
  • Engage with influential primary and secondary sources in philosophy, according to contemporary canons of academic debate and critical analysis.

• Transferable Skills

  • Use libraries and online resources; use IT skills (word processing, use of internet re-sources); take notes and summarise accurately and effectively.
  • Evaluate and judge evidence and the quality of information; digest material from various sources; collate and process information from an array of sources, including electronic media.
  • Communicate and interact effectively; present ideas and arguments orally in both formal and informal contexts; present high-quality analysis cogently and succinctly; and make oral and group presentations using appropriate skills.
  • Respond constructively to criticism; manage time efficiently; show self-reliance, initiative, adaptability and flexibility; work effectively both independently and in a team setting.

Assessment

HAP7001: Students complete two practice-based assignments (Methods Portfolio) and a Research Design assignment.

• Modules: Students will complete at least one major paper, or scholarly writing of equivalent significance, in each module. Students also complete oral discussion/presentations during module seminars.
  
  Dissertation: 15,000-word dissertation completed in drafts with advance feedback; feedback is also provided in response to the final dissertation.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)

  ×

  APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN

  Overview

  This module aims to introduce key approaches to research design, while also introducing some of the contemporary debates in research in the social sciences and humanities. It will also provide students with an introduction to some of the key practical research skills they will find of use when designing and conducting their academic research. These skills are also those which students will find necessary as they continue their academic and research career.
  
  Students will have a high degree of choice across workshops, enabling them to tailor the module content to their pathway of student and personal research goals. The workshops will address five key areas: Fundamentals of Research; Debates; Philosophy of Science/Epistemology; Qualitative Methods; and Quantitative Methods.
  
  The broad aims of the module are to:
  • Introduce students to the diversity of research approaches and debates;
  • Heighten awareness of methodological issues facing researchers in the social sciences and humanities;
  • Develop an awareness of interdisciplinarity and its potentials and challenges in research;
  • Encourage students to develop their research skills through the selective use of this reading guide and their own search for appropriate literature on research design topics that are of interest to them.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will have:
  • obtained a clear understanding of some central issues and methodological debates that are basic to social science and humanities research;
  • been introduced to interdisciplinarity in research, and developed an understanding of how it relates to their own work;
  • communicated this understanding in an analytically rigorous manner through assessed written work;
  • demonstrated the kind of methodological awareness that will allow them to pursue their own research or coursework in an analytically rigorous and self-critical manner.
  • been equipped with the intellectual capacity to defend a particular approach to their own research;
  • started to make preparations for a research dissertation.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  HAP7001

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Applied Philosophy (20 credits)

  ×

  Applied Philosophy

  Overview

  This module focuses on some of the most pressing current social epistemological, ethical, and political questions arising in the context of
  
  biomedical, environmental, and applied information technologies and associated professions. Issues covered are likely to include (but are not limited to) human enhancement, stem cell research, disability, embodiment, and justice, climate change, and global health. The module will incorporate a range of policy and empirical information as part of case studies, in addition to detailed philosophical analysis of each issue. While topics covered will vary each year, to reflect current and pressing concerns, the module may incorporate discussion of the following questions: Can a form of technology itself be ethical or unethical? How do biomedical sciences and technologies relate to human values? How can we best address justice challenges that are raised by innovations in biomedical and information technologies? How should we be responding to the climate crisis? Do we have a responsibility to enhance ourselves and future generations? How can health issues be effectively addressed across national borders?

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will: * Be able to demonstrate knowledge of key works of current scholarship in contemporary bioethics, environmental philosophy, and philosophy of technology * Be able to apply philosophical theories in conjunction with detailed case information when assessing issues in contemporary bioethics, environmental philosophy, and philosophy of technology * Be able to demonstrate critical analysis of key debates in contemporary bioethics, environmental philosophy, and philosophy of technology

  Skills

  Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner; * Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments; * Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing; * Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment; * Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development; * Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance. Technical and practical skills * Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT. Organizational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines; * Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information; * Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way; * Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7060

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Philosophy Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Philosophy Dissertation

  Overview

  The research and writing of a 15,000-word dissertation on any chosen aspect of Philosophy. Submission date 15th September

  Learning Outcomes

  To encourage students to engage in independent and original research.

  Skills

  Students are allocated an individual supervisor, with whom they work closely throughout the research, drafting and writing of their dissertation. The skills required for ongoing research, organisation of a thesis and professional writing and presentation of a dissertation are all acquired, and monitored, through liaison with the supervisor.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  PHL9099

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  Philosophies of Habit and Addiction (20 credits)

  ×

  Philosophies of Habit and Addiction

  Overview

  This module addresses habit as an issue in the philosophy of mind, psychology and the neurosciences. It takes a historical approach by examining different philosophies of habit in 18th-century Scottish philosophy (principally in the work of Hume and Reid) and 19th-century French philosophy (principally in the work of Ravaisson and Bergson). Students will then engage with accounts of habit in the contemporary neurosciences and with phenomenological approaches (principally in the work of Merleau-Ponty and Ricoeur). The module will show how conceptions of habit involve different conceptions of what it is to be embodied and, ultimately, different philosophies of nature in general. The module will also address the impact of different conceptions of habit for our understanding of the nature of the particular form of habit that is addiction, which is a pressing contemporary social problem.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will:
  • Understand multiple interpretations and applications of the concept of habit in philosophy, psychology and the neurosciences
  • Be able to critically discuss the proper relationship between philosophy and empirical science
  • Be familiar with contemporary debates concerning the nature of human embodiment as well as with the historical origins of these debates
  • Be familiar with competing positions in contemporary addiction theory

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner;
  • Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments;
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing;
  • Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment;
  • Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development;
  • Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance.
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines;
  • Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information;
  • Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way;
  • Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7064

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Ethics, Law, and Responsibility (20 credits)

  ×

  Ethics, Law, and Responsibility

  Overview

  This module uses the theme of responsibility to bring together some fundamental issues in ethics and the philosophy of law. In the first part of the module, we consider the nature of responsibility and its relation to both
  
  rationality and the emotions. We then consider some of the familiar preconditions of moral responsibility, such as intention, causation and voluntariness, as well as factors that preclude responsibility, such as insanity, ignorance and duress. In the second part of the module, we look at some of the moral and legal consequences that seem to follow on from a finding of responsibility, including punishment and enforced compensation. We examine the rationale of both retributive and corrective justice, and we also explore debates about reparations for historic injustices such as slavery and colonialism. In all of this, considerable emphasis will be placed on both real-world examples and recent academic work in ethics and jurisprudence.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will: * Be familiar with and able to critically assess standard theories of moral responsibility; * Be able to articulate and defend moral and legal consequences of responsibility in a variety of real-world contexts; * Be able to apply philosophical theories of responsibility to active contemporary debates about reparations for historic injustices.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner; * Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments; * Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing; * Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment; * Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development; * Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance. Technical and practical skills * Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT. Organizational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines; * Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information; * Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way; * Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7062

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Individually Negotiated Topic (20 credits)

  ×

  Individually Negotiated Topic

  Overview

  This module provides an exciting opportunity for students to personalize their MA experience by working with a research leader to
  
  identify a research question of the student’s choice, and to develop a response in extended essay format. The module enables students to work individually with a researcher or in a small study group of up to 3 students to develop their knowledge and expertise in a very focused area of philosophy research. For example, students might choose to pursue a detailed study of the work of a single philosopher, or a key, highly influential, work and critical engagements with that work, or a set of arguments on a specific current research issue.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will: * Be able to articulate a clear, well-defined, independent research question on a very specific figure, text, or issue in philosophy * Be able to prepare and implement a plan for a research project that answers an independent research question * Be able to demonstrate their knowledge of a very specific area of philosophy such as the work of a single philosopher, or a key influential text and its critical reception, or a set of arguments on a specific current issue.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner; * Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments; * Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing; * Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment; * Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development; * Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance. Technical and practical skills * Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT. Organizational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines; * Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information; * Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way; * Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  90%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  10%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7061

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Global Histories of Philosophy (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Histories of Philosophy

  Overview

  This module introduces students to critical and comparative analysis of key texts, traditions, and debates in diverse global histories of philosophy. Students will explore selected issues arising at the intersection of
  
  epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and social & political philosophy, either within a philosophical tradition (e.g. within African or Indian philosophical traditions) or in comparison across global traditions (e.g. African, Caribbean, and Latin American philosophy, or Post-Kantian European and African philosophy). At the same time, students will expand their knowledge of philosophical methods and skills that are key to conducting effective work in the history of philosophy. The specific area/s of focus of this course may change each year, but is typically likely to include some of the following questions: on what specific factor/s does personhood plausibly depend? How do social factors such as race, gender, colonialism, and disability affect ways of accounting for consciousness and identity? How might knowledge count as social, according to diverse global traditions in philosophy? In what ways has the history of colonialism affected development of philosophical accounts of gender and race? What would it really mean to ‘decolonize’ philosophical inquiry?

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will: * Be able to demonstrate critical analysis of key debates in diverse global histories of philosophy * Be able to critically engage with key arguments at the intersections of ethics, social and political philosophy, metaphysics, and epistemology within and across diverse global histories of philosophy * Be able to critically engage with issues of colonialism and decolonization within the context of diverse global histories of philosophy

  Skills

  Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner; * Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments; * Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing; * Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment; * Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development; * Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance. Technical and practical skills * Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT. Organizational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines; * Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information; * Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way; * Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7058

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Social Injustice (20 credits)

  ×

  Social Injustice

  Overview

  This module examines the problem of social injustice in contemporary, plural societies. The first half of the module explores some of the main philosophical assessments of social injustice. Students will first be introduced to key critiques of liberal theory as a response to the structural disadvantages associated with difference (including race, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, and class, among others). Here, liberal policy approaches to difference (including toleration, uniform treatment, and non-discrimination), will be critiqued alongside liberal modes of justification for their failure to deal appropriately with the disadvantages suffered by affected groups.
  
  The second half of the module discusses the practical implications of both social injustice and its potential solutions. Precise topics vary year-on-year, but may include discussion of some of the following questions: Is unfettered freedom of speech a necessary feature of or a hindrance in the fight for social equality? What role does historical injustice play in the ongoing oppression of marginalised groups? Is the recognition of difference the appropriate response to cultural domination? How has social media changed the shape of social justice movements? Is civil disobedience a legitimate response to injustice, and must it always be ‘civil’ in nature?

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students:
  • Should demonstrate a critical understanding of key debates about social injustice.
  • Should be able to explain some of the central critiques of liberal theory as a way of dealing with structural oppression.
  • Should be familiar with debates surrounding the role of historical injustice as it pertains to ongoing marginalisation.
  • Should have a critical understanding of the changing nature of social justice movements.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner.
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments.
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field.
  
  
  Professional and career development skills
  
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing.
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning.
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment.
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development.
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance.
  
  
  Organizational skills
  
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines.
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information.
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way.
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7057

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Knowledge and Ignorance (20 credits)

  ×

  Knowledge and Ignorance

  Overview

  This module explores the ways questions of knowledge and ignorance shape our social world, for better and worse. Likely topics include, but
  
  are not limited to: legal epistemology (How should we interpret legal standards of proof? When should purely statistical evidence be admitted? What criteria should determine whether predictive policing algorithms are biased?); epistemic injustice (In what ways can we wrong each other specifically as knowers? How do our epistemic practices uphold systems of oppression?); theories of ignorance; standpoint epistemology; moral encroachment (Can the moral features of a belief affect its rationality?); and other topics in social epistemology. Readings will include both theoretical and applied work.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will: * Be able to critically engage with contemporary debates around epistemological issues of oppression and injustice; * Be able to apply theoretical principles to assess active social and moral issues; * Be able to critically assess rival theories of ignorance and epistemic injustice.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner; * Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments; * Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing; * Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment; * Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development; * Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance. Technical and practical skills * Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT. Organizational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines; * Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information; * Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way; * Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7063

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate

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International Students

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years). International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction

We anticipate that the MA programme is a perfect one-year course to prepare students for PhD entry. The applied and engaged philosophy emphasis is attractive to students with interests in social justice and policy careers, as well as those interested in academic and academic-related careers.

The programme will assist students in gaining wider skills which will be vital in their future careers, including:

• Excellent training in critical thinking, critical reading, critical writing
• Research and publication skills
• Understanding and responding to equality, diversity, and inclusion issues in applied contexts
• Project management: planning and executing components of a long-term project

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£21,500
International	£21,500

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus