Philosophy and Politics, MA drafted

Program Overview

Students develop critical and analytical skills through a mix of coursework, practical assessments, and written examinations, preparing them for diverse careers in politics, media, and beyond. The program boasts a dedicated team of experts and offers opportunities for research, engagement with the community, and study abroad.

Program Outline

Philosophy and Politics, MA

You'll approach these subjects in the context of international relations and politics worldwide, equipping you with critical and analytical skills valuable for diverse careers in politics, media, and more.

Learning Mode:

On-Campus Learning

Degree Qualification:

MA

Duration:

48 months

Study Mode:

Full Time

Start Month:

September

UCAS Code:

VL52

Pathway Programme Available:

• Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Outline:

Year 1:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Academic Writing for Divinity, History & Philosophy
• Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance
• Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict
• Experience, Knowledge and Reality
• Optional Courses: (Select ONE)
• Controversial Questions
• How Should One Live?
• Logic and Argument
• Plus further courses of choice to make 120 credit points

Year 2:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations
• Global Politics: Equality and Inequality
• Optional Courses: (Plus further courses of choice to make 120 credits, 45 of which must be from level 2 Philosophy courses.)
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
• Metaphysics and Epistemology (15 credits)
• Philosophy and Society (15 credits)
• Political Philosophy (15 credits)

Year 3:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Researching in the 21st Century
• Optional Courses:
• Employer-Led Interdisciplinary Project (30 Credits)
• International Security (30 Credits)
• Political Parties in Britain (30 Credits)
• Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian Foreign Policy (30 Credits)
• Human Rights in Global Politics (30 Credit)
• Memory and Politics of the Past (30 Credits)
• The Global Politics of Secession (30 Credits)
• Democratization (30 Credits)
• A selection of Philosophy courses will also be available at level 3:
• Free Will and Moral Responsibility (30 credits)
• The Metaphysics of Possibility (30 credits)
• Genes, Brains and Evolution (30 credits)
• Philosophy of Medicine (30 credits)
• Knowledge, Power and Society (30 credits)
• Global Justice (30 credits)
• Contemporary Topics in Philosophy (30 credits)
• Theories of Democracy (30 credits)
• Honours Research Project in Philosophy (30 credits)

Year 4:

• Optional Courses: (Select ONE of the following dissertation options):
• Philosophy Dissertation (PH402D) - on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the supervisor.
Another dissertation or Project course must not be undertaken alongside the Philosophy Dissertation.
• Dissertation (Politics) (PI4071)
• Plus further credit points from level 4 course(s) in Politics & International Relations (see below) and level 4 course(s) in Philosophy to gain a total of 60 credits in each discipline.
• A selection of the following Philosophy courses will be available at level 4:
• Ancient Chinese Philosophy (30 credits)
• Philosophy of Games and Sports (30 credits)
• Scepticism (30 credits)
• Creativity (30 credits)
• Philosophy of Time (30 credits)
• Scientific Revolutions and Scientific Rationality (30 credits)
• Effective Altruism (30 credits)
• The Open Future (30 credits)
• Social Epistemology (30 credits)
• Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (30 credits)

Assessment:

Students are typically assessed using a mix of methods:

• Coursework (e.g., essays and reports) completed throughout the course.
• Practical assessments of skills and learned competencies.
• Written examinations at the end of each course.
The specific proportions of these methods vary across subject areas, years of study, and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed based on a written dissertation.

Teaching:

• Learning Methods: Individual Projects, Lectures, Research, Tutorials
• Staff: The program boasts a dedicated team of experts, including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows, and postgraduate tutors.

• The University of Aberdeen ranks top in Scotland for teaching and course content in the National Student Survey.
• Notable philosophers, including Thomas Reid and Alexander Bain, have graced the halls of this esteemed institution.
• The Aberdeen Philosophy in Education Group (APEG) trains students to discuss philosophical questions with local primary and secondary school pupils.
• Café Philosophique fosters engagement between philosophers and the community, exploring philosophical themes.
• The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine focuses on research, teaching, and engagement.

• The program offers a core curriculum encompassing contemporary themes like conflict & security, representation & democracy, comparative politics, and policy.
• The University boasts expertise in political parties & elections, democracy, energy politics, regionalism, human rights, interest groups, conflict resolution, and more.
• You can choose to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, or North America.
• Access the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, packed with reference collections and top-of-the-line study facilities.
• Engage with public events, seminars, speakers, and the May festival, featuring prominent influencers discussing critical issues like Scottish independence and EU membership.

Careers:

Philosophy:

Philosophy graduates are equipped with critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills that translate well into diverse fields like business, law, education, research, and more.

Politics and International Relations:

Graduates in this field find success across various paths: policy analysis, journalism, government service, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and more.

Summary:

The Philosophy and Politics program at the University of Aberdeen provides students with a unique opportunity to explore these disciplines through a comprehensive curriculum, expert instruction, and diverse learning approaches. This program will prepare graduates with valuable skills and knowledge, unlocking career possibilities across a multitude of fields.

RUK:

£9,250