Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year
MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science | Programme code | PTA1HPSHPS37 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time Part Time |
Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
Programme start date | 09/2014 |
| NQF Level | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The programme, unique in the UK for its combination of philosophical and sociological perspectives on science and technology, examines the concept of science, the knowledge it provides and the way in which the production of knowledge is organised in society. In doing so, it will prepare you for further research or employment in the management and evaluation of science and its impact on society – an increasingly important aspect of science policy.
Based in the Department of Sociology and the Centre for the Philosophy of the Social Sciences, the programme draws on staff research interests and expertise in the philosophy of biology, the mind, economics and social science, as well as in the sociology of science and technology.
You will also benefit from close collaboration with the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society (Egenis) – a recently established world class research centre at Exeter set up to investigate the meaning and social implications of contemporary genomic science. The Centre offers option modules and other study workshops for participants on the programme.
The influential Philosophical Gourmet ranking of philosophy graduate programmes rates the Exeter group first in the UK for philosophy of biology and it is among the top-ranked programmes in the philosophy of the social sciences.
The MA can be pursued on its own or as the first year of the new Four-Year PhD programme.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To provide a critical understanding of key issues in contemporary philosophy of science, and to locate these issues in the wider debate on philosophical theories of knowledge.
2. To provide a critical understanding of the social and cultural significance of science and technology, and of the social and political dynamics that sustain and shape the production, transmission, and popularisation of science.
3. To equip students with a range of core academic and transferable skills appropriate to Masters level study within the discipline.
4. Programme Structure
The programme is studied over 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time) and is University-based throughout the period. The programme comprises 180 credits in total: taught modules worth 120 credits in total and a supervised dissertation worth 60 credits. Teaching takes place over two terms (October to May), followed by completion of the dissertation over the summer (June to September). Each taught module spans one term and is normally taught through seminars, underpinned by reading and essay assignments. The taught element consists of core modules, directed options and free options.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
Core Modules followed by completion of the dissertation over the summer (June to September).
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOCM945 | Philosophy of Science | 30 | No |
| SOCM950 | Science Technology and Society | 30 | No |
| SOCM904 | Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Modules worth 30 credits in total chosen from SOCM002A and SOCM016.
Plus one additional 30-credit module offered within the department of Sociology and Philosophy, or related disciplines (history, biosciences, geography, politics or law).
Please note that the modules offered are subject to change depending on staff availability, timetabling and student demand.
Inclusion in this list does not guarantee that a module will run in a particular year. It is dependent on staff availability, and the number of students wishing to take the module.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science optional modules Choose 30 credits | |||
| SOCM002A | Philosophy of the Social Sciences 1 | 15 | No |
| SOCM016 | Cultures of the Life Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM945 | Philosophy of Science | 30 | No |
| SOCM950 | Science Technology and Society | 30 | No |
| SOCM033 | Data Governance and Ethics | 15 | No |
| Sociology PGT modules 2019/20 Choose one 30-credit module from sociology, philosophy or anthropology | |||
| SOCM002A | Philosophy of the Social Sciences 1 | 15 | No |
| SOCM013 | Independent Study in Sociology and Philosophy | 30 | No |
| SOCM016 | Cultures of the Life Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM019 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 15 | No |
| SOCM020 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM945 | Philosophy of Science | 30 | No |
| SOCM950 | Science Technology and Society | 30 | No |
| SOCM002B | Philosophy of the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| SOCM023 | Social Theory | 15 | No |
| SOCM024 | Cultural Sociology | 30 | No |
| SOCM025 | Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis | 15 | No |
| SOCM026 | Using Longitudinal Data in Family Policy Studies | 15 | No |
| SOCM027 | Social Theory | 30 | No |
| SOCM030 | Gender at Work | 30 | No |
| SOCM029 | Data Visualisation | 15 | No |
| Philosophy PGT modules 2019/20 | |||
| PHLM008 | Mind, Body and World | 30 | No |
| PHLM010 | Introduction to Philosophical Methods | 30 | No |
| PHLM006 | Contemporary Ethics | 30 | No |
| Anthropology PGT modules 2019/20 | |||
| ANTM100 | The Animal Mirror: Representations of Animality | 15 | No |
| ANTM101 | Animals, Health and Healing | 15 | No |
| ANTM102 | Anthrozoology: Theory and Method | 30 | No |
| ANTM103 | Applied Anthrozoology | 30 | No |
| ANTM105 | Humans and Wildlife: Conflict and Conservation | 15 | No |
| ANTM107 | Anthrozoology Residential | 15 | No |
| ANTM108 | Bioacoustics | 15 | No |
| ANTM021 | Food, Body and Society | 15 | No |
| ANTM022 | Food, Body and Society | 30 | No |
| ANTM104 | Family Hominidae and Other Primates | 15 | No |
| ANTM106 | Representation of Animals Through Religion | 15 | No |
| Total Credits for Stage 1 | 180 |
|---|
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Show a sophisticated understanding of the nature of scientific theories and scientific knowledge and the implications for the wider debate on philosophical theories of knowledge | 1-4 are developed primarily through seminar discussion and assignments in the core modules, and applied in the dissertation. | 1-4 are assessed informally through seminar work and formally through essay assignments for both core and optional modules, and in particular through the dissertation. |
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Understand complex terminology and discourses. | 7-12 are developed through seminar work and assignments in all modules. 13-14 are developed through written assignments. 15 is developed through the dissertation. | These skills are assessed through essay assignments and the dissertation. |
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
16. Think independently at an advanced level. | 16 and 17 are requirements of all modules, and especially the dissertation. 18 and 19 are core requirements of all modules, and especially the dissertation. 20 is developed through seminar work on the taught modules. 21 is applied on the dissertation. 22 is developed primarily through module assignments and the dissertation. | 16 and 17 are assessed in all modules by essay work, and by the dissertation. 18 and 19 are assessed on all modules through the essays that go to make up the portfolio on which the coursework is assessed, and in the dissertation. 20 is reflected in seminar work and presentations. 21 is assessed in the dissertation. 22 assessed indirectly through coursework and the dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.
Progression
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.
Assessment and Awards
For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.
You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic Tutoring
It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.
Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Learning Resources
The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
IT Services
A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.
Student Support Services
The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.
10. Admissions Criteria
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).
Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science
19. UCAS Code
C729
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/2004 |
Date of last revision | 01/09/2011 |
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