(Integrated Master in Philosophy:) Integrated Master in Philosophy
Philosophy
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Philosophy
MPHIV599
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: AAB
BTEC: D*DD, dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
IB: 33 points or three Higher Level certificates with 665.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
T-levels: Distinction* - Entry requirements for students studying T-level qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Josiah Saunders
Associate Professor
Durham University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To provide students with a broad grounding in philosophy and advanced research and writing skills at postgraduate level.
- To offer the opportunity, for students who wish to do so, to study developments in critical social theory and/or phenomenology
- To develop students capacities for independent thought and critical reflection.
- To develop in students the research skills appropriate to the advanced study of philosophy, in particular through the writing of a draft journal article for their final project, thus providing them with the basis for further progression.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A101: Advanced knowledge of some of the principal thinkers and themes in European philosophy since Kant.
A102: Detailed knowledge of some of the principal methods employed by European philosophers since Kant (e.g., transcendental deduction, phenomenological description, genealogy, hermeneutics, moral constructivism, linguistic and conceptual analysis).
A103: Ability to engage critically with the main texts and the secondary literature pertaining to them.
A104: Ability to form and present original views on, and interpretations of, issues arising within the various currents of philosophy.
Learning methods
A101-A104 are acquired through: teaching in lecture and class format; lecturers conveying module content in a general manner while allowing for, and encouraging, questions from students; classes generally focusing on specific textual, argumentative or practical examples, where emphasis is placed on student discussion.
The use of books and journal articles to convey module content.
The use of books, journal articles and internet resources to write coursework and prepare for examinations.
At UG level, teaching includes lectures, seminars and classes for further discussion and sometimes in-class assessment. Students are given the opportunity to ask and answer questions, voice theoretical concerns and raise additional issues.
At PG level, teaching takes the form of two-hour seminars. Students may be asked to give short non-assessed presentations, followed by discussions. This provides the opportunity for an informal assessment of their oral and argumentative skills.
Outcomes A101-A104 are also fostered by means of the School seminars, during which speakers – sometime world-known specialists – give presentations followed by open discussions.
The School also organises the Essex Lectures in Philosophy, during which a specialist of international renown is asked to teach a series of classes on a specific topic.
Students also prepare a Capstone project and a Final Project on topics of their choice which are individually supervised.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A101-A104 are formally assessed by means of written coursework and unseen written examinations (first year only).
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student. Coursework tests the ability to research a topic using, for example, library and internet resources, expound specified texts and enter into detailed argumentation with them.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided. Unseen exams test the ability to rehearse and assess arguments in relation to specific questions posed within a limited time frame.
Formal assessment is also carried out through the marking of the Capstone project and the Final Project.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B101: Ability to identify and evaluate complex arguments and to present one's own evaluation of them.
B102: Ability to identify and evaluate complex arguments and to present one's own evaluation of them.
B103: Ability to identify underlying issues in philosophical texts, debates and arguments, and to highlight deficiencies such as unquestioned assumptions, and superficial analogies and unsubstantiated claims.
B104: Ability to summarise complex and demanding texts, often written at historical distance, and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the views they propose.
B105: Ability to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and in commenting on complex information.
B106: Ability to plan and conduct (under the guidance of a supervisor) a piece of independent research, and to present it in a clear, coherent and argumentative manner.
Learning methods
Skills B101-B103 are developed in all modules by means of teaching, discussion and assigned oral presentations on topics chosen by the students.
These skills are also developed during the classes and seminar, where students receive feedback on their presentations and are strongly encouraged to partake in discussion.
Skills B104-B106 are developed through essay writing, including essay plans, and mostly through the exercise of selecting and pursuing a dissertation topic.
These skills are also fostered by supervisory sessions during the preparation of the draft journal article for the final project.
Assessment methods
Outcomes B101-B104 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided.
Skills B104-B106 are formally assessed through the marking of coursework and of the Capstone and the Final Project.
C: Practical skills
C101: Ability for students to express themselves in a clear, argumentative and rigorous way.
C102: Ability to abstract and synthesise relevant information from a range of sources, using books, journal articles, library and internet resources.
C103: Ability to select their own topic and structure a substantial piece of independent study (the Capstone and Final Projects).
C104: Ability to apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
Learning methods
Skills C101-C102 are gained by participation in class discussion, discussion with the lecturer during class and office hours, independent research for and writing of coursework and exam preparation.
C104 is acquired through the guided but relatively independent process of organising and successfully completing a period of living and studying abroad.
Considerable autonomy is encouraged in researching essays, the staff member aiming to assist in the formulation of research questions and in developing a strategy for answering them.
All students are encouraged to attend the departmental seminars, and to participate in debate on the topic presented.
Skill C103, during the spring term students select their prospective Capstone topic and meet regularly with their chosen supervisor.
Additionally, there will be detailed guidelines on the writing of Capstone Projects and Final Projects in the School handbook to supplement guidance given by the supervisor.
Assessment methods
Outcomes C101-C102 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided.
Skill C103 is assessed by the Capstone and Final Projects.
C104 is assessed throughout the Year Abroad.
D: Key skills
D101: Ability to write clearly and to communicate one's ideas to an audience.
D102: Use of relevant information technology to research and present written work (including searchable databases such as library catalogues, internet sources, the Philosopher's Index, etc.).
D103: Ability to identify the problem to be solved; to articulate critically the assumptions underlying or connected with the problem; to compare and contrast differing and often contradictory solutions to the problem; and to provide argument and evidence in defence of one's solution to the problem in the areas of philosophy and human rights
D104: Students should have become able to:
-organise their work within deadlines;
-select and organise their reading in relation to specific topics;
-reflect on their own learning and performance and make constructive use of feedback;
-learn independently.
Learning methods
Skills D101, D103 and D104: all modules require students to participate actively in discussion.
They also require students to work independently on essays as well as on their dissertation.
These have to be structured in an argumentative manner, and the arguments have to be supported by appropriate quotes or examples.
Students also learn to express their views concisely and clearly when discussing the topics of their choice with their lecturers, and during supervisory sessions for the structuring and writing of draft journal article for the final project
Skill D102 is developed by students themselves while they do the preparatory work for their essays and final project.
They are encouraged to use library searches and internet philosophy resources.
Skills D104 are developed by students during the course, by means of the research they do for the writing of their essays and final project.
Special emphasis is placed on feedback in the detailed comment sheets that accompany each marked essay.
Assessment methods
Outcomes D101, 102, 103 & 104 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided.
Essays, Capstones and Final Projects are assessed for qualities that incorporate skills D101, D102, D103 and D104.