| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-23 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The University of Aberdeen's online Masters in Philosophy and Society equips graduates to apply philosophical thinking to real-world challenges, engage with the public, and conduct impactful research. This flexible program offers a range of formats (MLitt, PgDip, PgCert) and is taught by experienced academics, providing students with the skills and knowledge for successful careers in diverse sectors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program:
Online Masters in Philosophy and Society
Institution:
University of Aberdeen
Learning Mode:
Online
Study Level:
Postgraduate
SCQF Level:
11
Credits:
180 (MLitt), 120 (PgDip), 60 (PgCert)
Typical Duration:
27 months (MLitt), 18 months (PgDip), 8 months (PgCert)
Start Months:
September or January
Description:
This unique online Masters degree allows you to:
- Apply philosophical thinking in real-world situations.
- Use philosophy to address contemporary societal challenges.
- Engage with the public and make an impact with philosophical research.
- Develop hands-on experience in knowledge exchange and communication.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the ability to apply philosophical concepts, arguments, theories, and methods to real-world problems.
- Empower graduates to communicate philosophical findings effectively to diverse audiences.
- Enable graduates to conduct independent research with potential for societal impact.
- Provide graduates with hands-on experience in knowledge exchange with non-academic organizations.
Target Audience:
- Graduates from any discipline interested in applying philosophical content and analysis to their field.
- Philosophy graduates seeking to apply their knowledge and skills in non-academic careers, pursue postgraduate research, or work in academia.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- Offered in three formats: MLitt (180 credits), PgDip (120 credits), PgCert (60 credits).
- Each format consists of a combination of taught courses and independent research.
- Courses cover a range of topics, including:
- Philosophy and Society
- Readings in Philosophy and Society
- Impact and Engagement in Philosophy
- Methods and Skills for Philosophy
- Dissertation (MLitt only)
Course Schedule:
- Courses are offered in two intakes per year, starting in September or January.
- Each course typically lasts for one term (12 weeks).
- Students can choose to study full-time (30 credits per term) or part-time (15 credits per term).
- All courses are delivered online through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (MyAberdeen).
Individual Module Descriptions:
Philosophy and Society:
Introduces students to the key concepts and issues in philosophy, with a focus on their application to contemporary society.
Readings in Philosophy and Society:
Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a variety of philosophical texts.
Impact and Engagement in Philosophy:
Equips students with the skills and knowledge to engage effectively with the public and make an impact with their philosophical work.
Methods and Skills for Philosophy:
Develops students' research and writing skills, as well as their ability to analyze and evaluate arguments.
Dissertation (MLitt only):
An original research project on a topic chosen by the student, supervised by a member of the academic staff.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, presentations, exams, and projects.
- Assessment criteria are specific to each individual course and are clearly communicated to students at the start of the term.
- Students receive regular feedback on their work from their tutors.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Teaching is delivered through a combination of online lectures, tutorials, and independent study.
- Students have access to extensive online resources, including recordings of lectures, lecture notes, and discussion forums.
Faculty:
- The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active academics from the University of Aberdeen's School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History.
- All faculty members have expertise in philosophy and a strong commitment to teaching and student learning.
Unique Approaches:
- The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to students from all over the world.
- Students can study at their own pace and do not need to relocate to Aberdeen to complete their studies.
- The program is firmly grounded in research and offers students the opportunity to conduct their own research projects.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Government
- Journalism
- Non-profit organizations
- Public policy
- Research
- Social work
Career Opportunities:
- The program prepares students for a wide range of professional opportunities, including:
- Analyst
- Consultant
- Educator
- Policy advisor
- Researcher
- Scientist
- Social worker
- Writer
Career Outcomes:
- The program has a strong track record of producing graduates who are successful in their chosen careers.
- Many graduates go on to further study at PhD level or secure employment in demanding and rewarding roles.
Other:
- The program is ranked 1st in the UK for Philosophy in the 2023 National Student Survey.
- The University of Aberdeen is ranked 7th in the UK for Philosophy in the Guardian University Guide 2024.
- Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for membership of the British Philosophical Association.
University of Aberdeen
Overview:
The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.Student Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
Participation in various sports teams and leagues.Societies and Clubs:
Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.Events and Activities:
Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.Global Reputation:
It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.Vibrant City:
Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Academic Programs:
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.Postgraduate Taught Degrees:
Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.Postgraduate Research Degrees:
PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.Online Learning:
Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.Entry Requirements:
MLitt, PgDip, PgCert:
The minimum entry requirements for this degree are:
- A 2:1 UK honours degree or equivalent (normally a 3.0 GPA in North America).
EU Home Students:
- The entry requirements stated above apply to all students, including EU home students.
International Overseas Students:
- The entry requirements stated above apply to all students, including international overseas students outside the EU.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Teaching is delivered in English.
- The University accepts several English language tests and minimum scores, including:
- IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component)
- TOEFL iBT (90 overall, with at least 17 in each component)
- Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency (176 overall, with at least 162 in listening and speaking and 169 in reading and writing)
- LanguageCert Academic/LanguageCert Academic SELT (70 overall, with at least 60 in listening and speaking and 65 in reading and writing)
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken) – Online/In-centre (Overall High Pass, with at least 33 in listening, reading, and speaking and 38 in writing)
- Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online (7.0 overall, with at least 5.0 in listening and speaking and 6.0 in reading and writing)
- PTE Academic (62 overall, with at least 59 in each component)
