Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year
MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Philosophy: Ethics and Society | Programme code | PTA1HPSHPS75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2021/2 | |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
Programme start date | 09/2020 |
| NQF Level | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This degree captures the distinctive approach to philosophy at Exeter, taking an interdisciplinary perspective on some of the biggest questions facing mankind. Topics covered include: the philosophical, social and ethical dilemmas posed by science and technology; the nature of the human mind and its relationship to culture; and how can we better understand the way that societies function. You will also explore a range of different philosophical methods such as conceptual analysis, phenomenology, naturalism, and historical and sociological approaches, and learn to apply these methods in your own research.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The aim of this programme is to provide you with the opportunity to think critically through a thorough grounding in different philosophical methods and the opportunity to apply those methods to a range of different philosophical issues that reflect your own interests. You will be taught through intensive, research-led seminars that reflect the distinctive character of philosophy at Exeter, especially its research strengths in philosophy of science, philosophy of mind and social philosophy, and its interdisciplinary connections with sociology and anthropology.
4. Programme Structure
MA Philosophy is a one year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
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.
Interim Awards
Under exceptional circumstances you may exit this programme with a Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy on successful completion of 90 Credits, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy on successful completion of 120 credits.
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.
http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/current/postgraduatemodules/
Stage 1
150 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHLM009 | Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
| PHLM010 | Introduction to Philosophical Methods | 30 | Yes |
| PHLM006 | Contemporary Ethics | 30 | No |
| SOCM002B | Philosophy of the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
View optional modules here.
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Total Credits for Stage 1 |
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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. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of key areas of philosophical inquiry. | 1 and 2 are developed primarily through reading, seminar discussion and assignments in optional modules focusing on different areas of philosophical research; both are also pursued further in the dissertation. 3 and 4 are developed primarily through the readings, seminar discussion and assignments in the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods” and applied in the dissertation. | 1 and 2 are assessed through assignments (e.g. essays and presentations) for individual optional modules, as well as in the dissertation. 3 and 4 are assessed through assignments (e.g. essays and presentations) for the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods” as well as 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: | |
5. Understand and summarise complex positions and debates in a systematic way. | 5 and 6 are developed primarily through reading, seminar discussion and assignments in core and optional modules and pursued further in the dissertation. 7 is developed primarily through the readings, seminar discussion and assignments for the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods”. 8 is developed primarily through seminar discussion and assignments for core and optional modules and developed further in the dissertation. | 5 and 6 are assessed through assignments for core and optional modules, as well as in the dissertation. 7 is assessed primarily through the assignments for the core module “Introduction to Philosophical Methods” as well as in the dissertation. 8 is assessed primarily through assignments for core and optional modules 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: | |
9. Analyse complex material and debates. | 9, 10 and 11 are developed through readings, seminar discussion and assignments for all modules and pursued further in the dissertation. 12 is developed through all assignments, and especially the dissertation. | 9, 10 and 11 are assessed through assignments for all modules and pursued further in the dissertation. 12 is required for all assignments, and especially for 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: Ethics and Society
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Philosophy
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 10/04/2018 |
Date of last revision | 26/07/2019 |
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