Philosophy - Mres

at Keele University

Semester 1

Core Modules

PHI-40004 Metaphilosophy (30 credits)
Metaphilosophy, also referred to as ‘the philosophy of philosophy’, studies the aims of philosophy, its boundaries, methods, subject matter and relation to other disciplines like natural science or history. Capitalising on Keele’s expertise in the discipline, this module introduces key terms and debates in metaphilosophy, such as what is distinctive about philosophical problems, or what would count as progress in philosophy. Topics covered include: the nature of philosophical arguments, the possibility of progress in philosophy, the relation between theoretical and practical philosophy, and competing conceptions of philosophy offered by Kant, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, and Rorty.
 

PHI-40007 Philosophy of the Social Sciences: Part 1 (15 credits)
You will study the philosophy of the social sciences, together with philosophical debates around different methodological approaches to social science research. This module features the work of a range of key thinkers, including Durkheim, Popper, Kuhn, Weber, Adorno, and Foucault, who have informed the ways in which researchers consider knowledge in the social sciences. We start with the enlightenment idea of the search for science and the nineteenth century beginnings of social science. Topics covered include: naturalism, the relationship between the individual and society, falsificationism, paradigm shifts, the interpretive tradition, critical theory, structuralism and post-structuralism.

Semester 2 Core Modules

PHI-40006 Individual Research Orientation in Philosophy (30 credits)
This module aims to develop the skills and knowledge to manage your own academic interests and research, including independent research, time management, critical approach and resource identification. Through independent work guided by your dissertation supervisor, you will undertake a range of research-related activities, which will ultimately help to inform the selection of your topic for research, the identification of appropriate resources and the construction of a relevant argument which will form the background for your dissertation.
 

PHI-40007 Philosophy of the Social Sciences: Part 2 (15 credits)
Following on from the Individual Research Orientation module, whereby you conduct guided research on a background issue related to your dissertation, the second part of the Philosophy of the Social Sciences module provides an opportunity to apply your knowledge to the specific topic of your dissertation. You will reflect on the methodological issues it raises, considering questions such as the legitimacy of philosophy being applied to social issues, questions of classification concerning race, gender and other social kinds, the impact of theories of free will on how we ought to tackle crime and poverty, and the metaphysical nature of social institutions, properties and facts.

Semester 3

After you have completed the taught modules, you will undertake an independent project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area or topic of philosophy, designed to enhance your employability and research skills:
 

PHI-40002 Dissertation (60 credits)
Representing the culmination of your studies, this is your chance to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course to write a substantial piece of philosophical research. It provides an exciting opportunity to work under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field of interest, demonstrating a level of knowledge and understanding far beyond what you have learned in class. Past projects include: Nietzsche's theory of the Will to Power; nihilist theories of personal identity; the ethics of using stereotypes; the ethics of sustainability; the philosophy of psychology: the existence of possible worlds.
 

ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students should have a good degree, 2:2 minimum, from an awarding UK institution, or its equivalent. It is not necessary to hold the degree in philosophy. For students who fall short of this requirement, relevant work experience, or evidence of experience in the field, can be considered as an alternative.
 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Students for whom English is not the first language are required to take one of the internationally recognised English language tests such as Academic IELTS or equivalent English language qualification. The minimum entry level is IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each subtest, or equivalent English language test scores.

International - Full time £16,800 per year
 

The personal and professional skills learned on this philosophy degree include clear and analytical thinking, originality, problem-solving, persuasive writing and speaking, innovative questioning and effective reasoning, all of which can open a wide range of careers.
 

Analytical ability, for example, tops Forbes’ list of in-demand skills employers want. Being able to understand and, if required, challenge people’s ideas, approaches and perspectives is a difficult skillset to master, yet one that is valuable and relevant to almost any profession.
 

Career options include the civil service, politics, public administration, police, finance, IT, law, healthcare, human resources, property development, teaching and training, community and voluntary work. This course is also excellent preparation for doctoral study or careers in research or academia with previous masters students continuing with PhD studies at Keele and other excellent institutions in the UK and elsewhere.