Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science | Programme code | PTA1HPSHPS37 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The programme, unique in the UK for its combination of philosophical and sociological perspectives on science and technology, examines the concept of science, the knowledge it provides and the way in which the production of knowledge is organised in society. In doing so, it will prepare you for further research or employment in the management and evaluation of science and its impact on society – an increasingly important aspect of science policy.
Based in the Department of Sociology and the Centre for the Philosophy of the Social Sciences, the programme draws on staff research interests and expertise in the philosophy of biology, the mind, economics and social science, as well as in the sociology of science and technology.
You will also benefit from close collaboration with the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society (Egenis) – a recently established world class research centre at Exeter set up to investigate the meaning and social implications of contemporary genomic science. The Centre offers option modules and other study workshops for participants on the programme.
The influential Philosophical Gourmet ranking of philosophy graduate programmes rates the Exeter group first in the UK for philosophy of biology and it is among the top-ranked programmes in the philosophy of the social sciences.
The MA can be pursued on its own or as the first year of the new Four-Year PhD programme.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To provide a critical understanding of key issues in contemporary philosophy of science, and to locate these issues in the wider debate on philosophical theories of knowledge.
2. To provide a critical understanding of the social and cultural significance of science and technology, and of the social and political dynamics that sustain and shape the production, transmission, and popularisation of science.
3. To equip students with a range of core academic and transferable skills appropriate to Masters level study within the discipline.
4. 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.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
Core Modules followed by completion of the dissertation over the summer (June to September).
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOCM945 | Philosophy of Science | 30 | No |
| SOCM950 | Science Technology and Society | 30 | No |
| SOCM904 | Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Modules worth 30 credits in total chosen from SOCM002A and SOCM016.
Plus one additional 30-credit module offered within the department of Sociology and Philosophy, or related disciplines (history, biosciences, geography, politics or law).
Please note that the modules offered are subject to change depending on staff availability, timetabling and student demand.
Inclusion in this list does not guarantee that a module will run in a particular year. It is dependent on staff availability, and the number of students wishing to take the module.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science optional modules Choose 30 credits | |||
| SOCM002A | Philosophy of the Social Sciences 1 | 15 | No |
| SOCM016 | Cultures of the Life Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM945 | Philosophy of Science | 30 | No |
| SOCM950 | Science Technology and Society | 30 | No |
| SOCM033 | Data Governance and Ethics | 15 | No |
| Anthropology PGT option modules 2023-4 Choose one 30-credit module from sociology, philosophy or anthropology | |||
| ANTM021 | Food, Body and Society | 15 | No |
| ANTM100 | The Animal Mirror: Representations of Animality | 15 | No |
| ANTM101 | Animals, Health and Healing | 15 | No |
| ANTM102 | Anthrozoology: Theory and Method | 30 | No |
| ANTM103 | Applied Anthrozoology | 30 | No |
| ANTM105 | Humans and Wildlife: Conflict and Conservation | 15 | No |
| ANTM107 | Anthrozoology Residential | 15 | No |
| Philosophy PGT option modules 2023-4 | |||
| PHLM006 | Contemporary Ethics | 30 | No |
| PHLM008 | Mind, Body and World | 30 | No |
| PHLM010 | Introduction to Philosophical Methods | 30 | No |
| Sociology PGT option modules 2023-4 | |||
| SOCM002A | Philosophy of the Social Sciences 1 | 15 | No |
| SOCM002B | Philosophy of the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM013 | Independent Study in Sociology and Philosophy | 30 | No |
| SOCM016 | Cultures of the Life Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM019 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 15 | No |
| SOCM020 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM023 | Social Theory | 15 | No |
| SOCM027 | Social Theory | 30 | No |
| SOCM047 | Understanding Media | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Show a sophisticated understanding of the nature of scientific theories and scientific knowledge and the implications for the wider debate on philosophical theories of knowledge | 1-4 are developed primarily through seminar discussion and assignments in the core modules, and applied in the dissertation. | 1-4 are assessed informally through seminar work and formally through essay assignments for both core and optional modules, and in particular through the dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Understand complex terminology and discourses. | 7-12 are developed through seminar work and assignments in all modules. 13-14 are developed through written assignments. 15 is developed through the dissertation. | These skills are assessed through essay assignments and the dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
16. Think independently at an advanced level. | 16 and 17 are requirements of all modules, and especially the dissertation. 18 and 19 are core requirements of all modules, and especially the dissertation. 20 is developed through seminar work on the taught modules. 21 is applied on the dissertation. 22 is developed primarily through module assignments and the dissertation. | 16 and 17 are assessed in all modules by essay work, and by the dissertation. 18 and 19 are assessed on all modules through the essays that go to make up the portfolio on which the coursework is assessed, and in the dissertation. 20 is reflected in seminar work and presentations. 21 is assessed in the dissertation. 22 assessed indirectly through coursework and the dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
The College PGT Staff Student Liaison Committee, which meets termly, represents the interests of all taught postgraduates in the College, including those taking this MA programme, who are eligible for election to it. It comprises student and staff representatives and is chaired by a student member elected by the SSLC. The College PGT SSLC exists to:
Enable students and staff jointly to participate in the composition, management and review of PGT provision with a view to improving the quality of teaching and learning
Facilitate greater communication between students and staff
Identify and address areas of concern and contentment to students and staff
Ensure a student contribution at all levels of decision-making concerning unreserved business within the College, and its dissemination
To disseminate examples of good practice
To aid the College in its pursuit of excellence
In addition to the centrally provided services detailed above, the College of Social Sciences and International Studies provides all students with a Post-graduate Taught student handbook.
https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/postgraduatetaught/post-graduatetaughthandbook/
Responsibility for the management of the programme of study rests with the programme director. Students meet the programme director at the beginning of the academic year to discuss their choice of optional modules and to help them to construct their programme of study. The programme director has regular office hours, and students are encouraged to consult him/her during these times.
Students are assigned a personal tutor when they arrive in the College, and are encouraged to remain in contact with them throughout the year(s) of their programme.
In January each student has a self-appraisal meeting with his/her personal tutor. This gives students a chance to discuss their experiences and work, in an interview based on a pre-submitted self-appraisal form. At the end of the interview, tutor and student agree on an 'action plan' to guide the student's work for the rest of the academic year.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science
19. UCAS Code
C729
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/2004 |
Date of last revision | 01/09/2011 |
|---|
