Philosophy (Conversion) (Taught)

This Masters is designed for students who don't already have a degree in Analytic Philosophy. It will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of analytic philosophy, including such core areas as metaphysics, ethics, social and political philosophy, the history of philosophy, philosophy of the mind and philosophy of mathematics and language. If you so wish, this Masters can provide you with a fast-track route into a PhD in Philosophy.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

• If you want to do a PhD in Philosophy but don't already have a Philosophy degree, then the MSc (Conversion) will allow you to apply straight away for the PhD.

• MSc (Conversion) students will be embedded in a vibrant philosophical research community. Glasgow hosts the interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Perceptual Experience bringing together philosophers and scientists to work on the nature of the mind. The Centre has philosophy specialists not only in perceptual experience but also virtual reality, emotions and hedonics.

• Philosophy is also home to one of the largest and most active epistemology research communities in the world, the COGITO Epistemology Research Centre. COGITO brings together specialists in contemporary epistemology, as well as at the intersection of epistemology with philosophy of language and mind, ethics, political philosophy and philosophy of gender and race.

• We also host the Forum for Quine and the History of Analytic Philosophy, which builds on our local expertise and research links with other UK universities.

• Philosophy at the University has an illustrious history of original thinkers going against the grain of orthodoxy. Its past professors include such giants of empiricism as Adam Smith and Thomas Reid.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme consists of a choice of four semester-length courses across a range of philosophical topics, all driven by the cutting-edge research of our professors and lecturers. There is also a 12,000–15,000-word dissertation to be completed on a topic of your choice, supported by an expert supervisor over the summer, as well as a year-long core course offering training in philosophical research methods. Optional courses may vary slightly from year to year.

The Philosophy MSc has three components:

1. Introduction to Analytic Philosophy A and Introduction to Analytic Philosophy B (20 credits each, 40 credits in total)

2. A choice of four of the following courses (20 credits each):
   Contemporary Ethics
   Epistemology
   Formal Logic
   History Of Modern Philosophy 1
   History Of Moral And Political Philosophy
   Liberalism
   Metaphysics
   Moral Philosophy
   Philosophy Of Art
   Philosophy Of Language
   Philosophy Of Mind
   Political Philosophy
   Philosophy Of Perception
   Gender and Race
   Philosophy of Law
   Causation
   Dreams PGT
   Distributive Justice (PGT)

3. A dissertation on a topic of your choice guided by individual support from an expert supervisor (60 credits):
   Philosophy Dissertation

CAREER PROSPECTS

Philosophy students at Glasgow receive rigorous and personalised training in problem solving skills, writing skills, presentation and research skills. All these skills are widely applicable and recognised to be exceptionally valuable in a wide range of careers, including journalism, teaching, the Civil Service, local government, business, publishing, law, and the arts.

You will also be well equipped to carry onto a further degree in philosophy such as the PhD.