Epistemology, Ethics and Mind MSc, PgCert, PgDip (Online Learning) The University of Edinburgh

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 own specialised interest under the expert guidance of our distinguished academics.

What will I learn?

You will be offered core courses in philosophical methodology and in the areas of epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science. There are advanced option courses available in epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science, and also an option course in philosophy of science.

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.

Is this MSc for me?

This is an online programme only and you can customise your learning in 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 excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of philosophy, whether you choose to pursue this further in academic research or in a professional career.

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.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

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

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.

Programme structure

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.

Possible exit routes

The programme is also available as either a:

• Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

Dissertation

In taking the full MSc (2 years), you will write a dissertation on a research topic developed in consultation with your supervisor.