MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society
Duration |
Full time 1 year Part time 2 years |
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Discipline |
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Location | ![]() |
Start date | September |

Overview
- Provides an interdisciplinary perspective towards understanding social life.
- Engage with the latest, cutting-edge research in a range of topics, such as:
- The ethical limits of economic growth
- Applied ethics in areas such as food, medicine, animal rights, slavery and the Holocaust
- Wittgensteinian approaches to ethics and the social world
Programme structure
The programme is studied over 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time) and is University-based throughout the period. The programme comprises 180 credits in total: taught modules worth 120 credits in total and a supervised dissertation worth 60 credits. Teaching takes place over two terms (October to May), followed by completion of the dissertation over the summer (June to September). Each taught module spans one term and is normally taught through seminars, underpinned by reading and essay assignments. The taught element consists of core modules, directed options and free options.
Compulsory modules
Code | Module | Credits | |
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PHLM006 | Contemporary Ethics | 30 | |
PHLM010 | Introduction to Philosophical Methods | 30 | |
SOCM002B | Philosophy of the Social Sciences,/a> | 30 | 2 |
PHLM009 | Dissertation | 60 |
Optional modules
You will choose a number of either 30 or 15 credit optional modules, to a total of 120 credits, from a regularly updated selection.
Recent modules are shown below.
Code | Module | Credits |
---|---|---|
PHLM007 | Current Issues in Mind and Cognition | 30 |
PHLM008 | Mind, Body and World | 30 |
SOCM016 | Cultures of the Life Sciences | 30 |
SOCM945 | Philosophy of Science | 30 |
More detailed module information can be found on the College site.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Learning and teaching
Teaching takes place over the first two terms, leaving the third for your dissertation. Research-centred teaching is at the heart of the programme. Teaching is done in small seminar groups to allow students the best possible interaction with academic staff, through individual presentations and round table discussions of common readings.
Students have the opportunity to engage in a serious piece of research into a topic of their choosing through the dissertation module. You will be assessed through coursework which will vary depending on the modules you choose and the completion of a dissertation.
Careers
In addition to the specialist knowledge you will gain during your programme, you will also develop transferrable skills valued by employers such as:
- researching, analysing and assessing sources of information
- written and verbal communication skills
- managing and interpreting information
- developing ideas and arguments
The College's Employability Officer works with our central Career Zone team to give you access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training, as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.
Entry requirements
We are looking for graduates with a 2:1 or above in their first degree. While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criteria, if you have a 2:2 or equivalent, are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
Requirements for international students
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
TOEFL IBT*
Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
58 with no less than 55 in all communicative skills.
Other accepted tests
Information about other acceptable tests of linguistic ability can be found on our English language requirements page.
Pre-sessional English
Applicants with lower English language test scores may be able to take pre-sessional English at INTO University of Exeter prior to commencing their programme. See our English language requirements page for more information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees per year 2020/21
- UK/EU: £8,750 full-time; £4,375 part-time
- International: £18,500 full-time
Fee information
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption. For further information about paying fees see our Student Fees pages.
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
Postgraduate loans of up to £10,609 are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Global Excellence Scholarship
We are delighted to offer Global Excellence Scholarships for students of outstanding academic quality applying to postgraduate Taught programmes starting in autumn 2020.
Please note that this scholarship isn't offered for all our masters programmes.
Contact us
College of Social Sciences and International Studies
Current students
Email: info.amory@exeter.ac.uk
Phone: 01392 723301
Applicants and offer holders
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 723192
Please contact us if you would like more information about any of our programmes or activities, or if you would like to arrange to come and see us.