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Postgraduate Taught

MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code 1234
Duration 1 year full time
2 years part time
Entry year September 2024
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Philosophy
Contact
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

2:2 Honours degree

Contextual offers

Overview

  • You’ll address the concept of science, the knowledge it provides and the way in which the production of knowledge is organised in society
  • We’ll provide training in the essential skills of conducting and reporting research in the field of philosophy and sociology of science
  • Learn from a diverse and dynamic team of academics with expertise from across the fields of Sociology, Anthropology and Philosophy and benefit from our lively and collaborative research culture
  • Our wide range of optional modules gives you the flexibility to build a programme that suits your own interests and career ambitions
  • Gain key transferable skills in research, communication, self-management and group working which will be valued by employers within a range of professions as well as providing essential training for PhD study

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View 2024 Entry

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Contact

Programme Director: Dr. Adam Toon

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

100% of our research has internationally excellent impact

Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021, our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA

Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy

7th in The Complete University Guide 2024

82% of our research is internationally excellent

Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021, our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA

Internationally recognised for work in philosophical anthropology and the sociology of culture

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in philosophy (or a degree with a substantial philosophy component). While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

All applicants should provide a personal statement explaining their interest in the programme and how it fits with their earlier studies.

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Course content

We’ll encourage you to question the taken-for-granted status of contemporary science and technology and to explore the relations between social interaction, local cultures, and processes of innovation. You will explore some key problematic issues such as the role of authority in science, technology transfer and the sociology of environmentalism.

You will learn how to evaluate the major theoretical approaches and explore the key ethical, social, cultural and policy issues associated with scientific research. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to apply these philosophical research methods and address key issues in a field of particular interest to you under the guidance of an academic supervisor. 

You will be taught by staff who are research active in the field and who bring this research directly into their teaching. Our small group seminars enable you to interact closely with academics and also peers, providing a safe and stimulating environment in which to develop and debate your own ideas and opinions, discuss readings and learn from others.

Due to our interdisciplinary approach you will have the benefit of a wide choice of optional modules from across sociology and anthropology as well as philosophy. You can choose to explore fields such as cultures of the life sciences, data governance and ethics and research methods in the social sciences.

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits comprised of a combination of compulsory and optional modules

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.

Fees

2024/25 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time

International fees per year:

£24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time

Scholarships

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Teaching and research

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

Employer-valued skills

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

Career support

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.