Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society (PT)

1. Programme Details

Programme name	MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society (PT)	Programme code	PTA2HPSHPS42
Study mode(s)		Academic year	2023/4
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	NQF Level of the Final Award	7 (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

MA Philosophy is a one year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

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.

Interim Awards

Under exceptional circumstances you may exit this programme with a Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy on successful completion of 90 Credits, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy on successful completion of 120 credits.

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/

Stage 1

150 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHLM009	Dissertation	60	Yes
PHLM010	Introduction to Philosophical Methods	30	Yes
PHLM006	Contemporary Ethics	30	No
SOCM002B	Philosophy of the Social Sciences	30	No

Optional Modules

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 (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 (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.

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

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:

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).

You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.

You must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.

Condonement can only be applied to failed modules where a mark of 40 – 49 has been achieved.

Assessment and Awards

Classification

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

Undergraduate Degrees Postgraduate Degrees

Class I 70% + Distinction 70%+

Class II Division I 60-69% Merit 60-69%

Class II Division II 50-59% Pass 50-59%

Class III 40-49%

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.

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

18. Final Award

MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society (PT)

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

[Honours] Philosophy

23. Dates

Origin Date	10/04/2018	Date of last revision	26/07/2019

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society (PT)

1. Programme Details

2. Description of the Programme

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Partner Institution

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

19. UCAS Code

20. NQF Level of Final Award

21. Credit

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge