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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MA Philosophy

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMA Philosophy Programme codePTA1HPSHPS69
Study mode(s)Full Time
Part Time
Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

 This degree captures the distinctive approach to philosophy at Exeter, taking an interdisciplinary perspective on some of the biggest questions facing mankind. Topics covered include: the philosophical, social and ethical dilemmas posed by science and technology; the nature of the human mind and its relationship to culture; and how can we better understand the way that societies function. You will also explore a range of different philosophical methods such as conceptual analysis, phenomenology, naturalism, and historical and sociological approaches, and learn to apply these methods in your own research.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The aim of this programme is to provide you with the opportunity to think critically through a thorough grounding in different philosophical methods and the opportunity to apply those methods to a range of different philosophical issues that reflect your own interests. You will be taught through intensive, research-led seminars that reflect the distinctive character of philosophy at Exeter, especially its research strengths in philosophy of science, philosophy of mind and social philosophy, and its interdisciplinary connections with sociology and anthropology.  

4. Programme Structure

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.

http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/current/postgraduatemodules/

Provide the list of modules and composition of stages.

 

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. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site:

http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/current/postgraduatemodules/

You may take Option Modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site:  http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/current/postgraduatemodules/

You may take Elective Modules up to (30) credits outside of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

The fourth character of any module code signifies its NQF level, according to the following scheme:

Fourth Character

NQF level

1

4

2

5

3

6

M

7

 

Stage 1


90 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHLM009 Dissertation 60Yes
PHLM010 Introduction to Philosophical Methods 30Yes

Optional Modules

Plus 90 credits of modules selected from a list of options offered in the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Anthropology. 

 View optional modules here.

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability


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. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of key areas of philosophical inquiry
2. Have a critical awareness of the current state of debate of key areas within contemporary research in philosophy
3. Appreciate the different methods pursued in philosophical research and their respective strengths and weaknesses
4. Develop skills required to apply different philosophical methods in your own research

1 and 2 are developed primarily through reading, seminar discussion and assignments in optional modules focusing on different areas of philosophical research; both are also pursued further in the dissertation

3 and 4 are developed primarily through the readings, seminar discussion and assignments in the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods” and applied in the dissertation

 

1 and 2 are assessed through assignments (e.g. essays and presentations) for individual optional modules, as well as in the dissertation

3 and 4 are assessed through assignments (e.g. essays and presentations) for the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods” as well as 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:

5. Understand and summarise complex positions and debates in a systematic way
6. Analyse and evaluate positions and arguments in a rigorous and critical manner
7. Understand different ways to approach philosophical questions and apply these methods in your work
8. Develop your own perspective on philosophical questions and support these views with arguments

5 and 6 are developed primarily through reading, seminar discussion and assignments in core and optional modules  and pursued further in the dissertation

7 is developed primarily through the readings, seminar discussion and assignments  for the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods”

8 is developed primarily through seminar discussion and assignments for core and optional modules and developed further in the dissertation

5 and 6 are assessed through assignments for core and optional modules, as well as in the dissertation

7 is assessed primarily through the assignments for the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods” as well as in the dissertation

8 is assessed primarily through assignments for core and optional modules 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:

9. Analyse complex material and debates
10. Think independently at an advanced level
11. Present ideas clearly, orally and in writing
12. Work on large projects independently to set deadlines

9, 10 and 11 are developed through readings, seminar discussion and assignments for all modules and pursued further in the dissertation.

12 is developed through all assignments, and especially the dissertation

9, 10 and 11 are assessed through assignments for all modules and pursued further in the dissertation

12 is required for all assignments, and especially for the dissertation

7. Programme Regulations

Credit

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: The programme consists of 180 credits with 90 credits taken at each stage where the programme is offered part time. In total, participants must take at least 180 credits at NQF level 7. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: Up to 90 credits of failure can be condoned on the following conditions:

  1. You must have completed and been assessed in modules amounting to sufficient credit for the final award (i.e. 180 credits for a Masters; 120 credits for a PGDip; and 60 credits for a PGCert).
  1. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.
  1. You must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 180 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:

Postgraduate Degrees

Distinction   70%+

Merit            60-69%

Pass            50-59%

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.

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

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

 

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

 

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.

(Quality Review Framework.

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

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

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 Date of last revision