Epistemology, Ethics and Mind (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgDip
Online
DURATION
9 up to 48 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 21,600 / per course *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Estimated total tuition fees for Epistemology, Ethics and Mind (MSc): £21,600 | PgCert: £7,200 | PgDip: £14,400
Introduction
This innovative online programme offers you a thorough grounding in contemporary philosophical research. It allows you to take advantage of Edinburgh’s remarkable range of expertise in the core philosophical areas of:
- epistemology
- ethics
- philosophy of mind and philosophy of cognitive science
Our state-of-the-art e-learning software and extensive digital resources allow you to gain a world-class graduate qualification online.
You will also benefit from the flexible structure of the programme. You will develop your specialised interest under the expert guidance of our distinguished academics.
What will I learn?
We offer core courses in philosophical methodology and in the areas of epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science. We have advanced option courses available in epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science. Also available are option courses in philosophy of religion, philosophy of science and Islamic philosophy. Students can also choose to take the two core courses from this programme’s sister online MSc. in Philosophy, Science and Religion.
You will thus gain a broad foundation in the research methods used within philosophy, and also a deep knowledge of the central philosophical areas of epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science.
Reputation, relevance and employability
Edinburgh has a proud and distinguished place in the history of philosophy and has long been associated with some of the field’s most important thinkers. Our philosophy department, one of the largest in the world, is now home to academics leading research into a wide range of contemporary topics.
Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals.
Our programme has an excellent reputation among employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone on PhD training and we have a high academic job placement record.
Philosophy is rated 4th in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Online learning
This is an online-only programme that will be taught through a combination of:
- short video lectures
- web discussion boards
- video conferencing
- online exercises
You will have regular access both to faculty and dedicated teaching assistants, including one-to-one interactions.
You will also interact with other students on the programme as part of a dedicated virtual learning environment.
Rankings
The University of Edinburgh is a World Top 30 University (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Program Outcome
This programme provides you with a range of knowledge and skills to prepare you for a variety of career paths including, but not limited to, further study in a PhD programme in Philosophy.
The MSc/PgDip/PgCert in Epistemology, Ethics and Mind aims to:
- provide you with a broad knowledge of contemporary philosophical work in epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science
- provide a basis for research in philosophy, especially in the core areas of philosophy constituted by epistemology, ethics and philosophy of mind and cognitive science
- provide a broad grounding in the research methods of philosophy
- develop your analytical skills
You will also gain transferable skills in:
- written and verbal communication
- group and teamwork
- time and project management
Career Opportunities
This programme provides you with a range of knowledge and skills to prepare you for a variety of career paths, including, but not limited to, further postgraduate study in philosophy.
We have graduates in PhD programmes across the world, including:
- University of Oxford
- University of Birmingham
- University of Illinois
- those who have chosen to pursue their studies further at Edinburgh
Others are teaching philosophy at community colleges and high schools. Our graduates consistently tell us that the skills they have learned through the degree have influenced their thinking both in their careers and more generally through life.
This programme would be an ideal foundation for further graduate work in philosophy.
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:
- tailored advice
- individual guidance and personal assistance
- internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
- access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network
We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.
Curriculum
Compulsory courses
You will study compulsory courses in philosophical methodology and the areas of:
- epistemology
- ethics
- philosophy of mind and cognitive science
Options courses
Advanced, optional courses are available in:
- Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy of Religion
- Islamic Philosophy
- Philosophy, Science and Religion 1: The Physical World
- Philosophy, Science and Religion 2: Life and Mind
Possible exit routes
The programme is also available as either a:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Dissertation
In taking the full MSc (1 year full-time, 2 – 4 years part-time), you will write a dissertation on a research topic developed in consultation with your supervisor.
Admissions
Ideal Students
This is an online programme only and you can customise your learning in the areas you are most passionate about.
The innovative online format of the programme and the flexibility of study it offers makes it accessible to those with family or professional commitments, or who live far from Edinburgh.
It provides an excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of philosophy, whether you choose to pursue this further in academic research or in a professional career.
Scholarships and Funding
There are a number of highly competitive scholarships and funding options available to MSc students.
Deadlines for funding applications vary for each funding source. Please make sure to check the specific deadlines for the funding opportunities you wish to apply for and make sure that you submit your application in good time.
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- your programme
- the duration of your studies
- your tuition fee status
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.