MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society

at University of Exeter

Ethics and society is a fascinating and extremely relevant field of philosophy to study. We are constantly confronted with new developments in society that, as individuals and communities, we must decide how to respond to, if at all.

Our core module Contemporary Ethics will address these challenges by introducing you to the philosophical work of the past three decades, addressing current challenges related to human self-understanding and ethical theory.

Our focus on philosophical research methods will teach you how to reflect critically on a range of methods and explore their respective strengths and weakness. You’ll discover a range of different tools for approaching philosophical questions, providing an excellent grounding for further research in philosophy.

You will be taught by staff who are research active in the field and who bring this research directly into their teaching. Our small group seminars enable you to interact closely with academics and also peers, providing a safe and stimulating environment in which to develop and debate your own ideas and opinions, discuss readings and learn from others.

Due to our interdisciplinary approach you will have the benefit of a wide choice of optional modules from across sociology and anthropology as well as philosophy. You can choose to explore fields such as social theory and cultural sociology.

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits comprised of a combination of compulsory and optional modules.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Modules

• Dissertation
• Introduction to Philosophical Methods
• Contemporary Ethics
• Philosophy of the Social Sciences

We are looking for graduates with a 2:1 or above in philosophy (or a degree with a substantial philosophy component). While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you have a 2:2 or equivalent, are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application

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Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

• IELTS

Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.

• TOEFL

Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

2022/23 entry

UK fees per year:
£10,000 full-time; £5,000 part-time

International fees per year:
£20,500 full-time

In addition to the specialist knowledge you will gain during your programme, you will also develop transferrable skills valued by employers such as: 

• Researching, analysing and assessing sources of information
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Managing and interpreting information
• Developing ideas and arguments