MA in Philosophy and Law

This programme is designed for students wishing to explore the connections between philosophy and law, but is weighted towards philosophy. Students combine their philosophical studies with an academic legal component from the LLM programme.

The structure of the MA in Philosophy and Law is similar to the MA in Philosophy, except that you will take one unit from the LLM and do one essay unit on a topic linking philosophy and law.

You will be taught and supervised by members of a friendly and informal department with an outstanding reputation in the UK and internationally. You are assigned a tutor who will help you to select your course of study and choose the topics you wish to research. You have the opportunity to write several extended pieces of work, including a 15,000-word dissertation.

You will be an active member of our flourishing research culture and will be encouraged to participate in the three weekly research seminars on a wide range of philosophical issues.

Core Units

• Epistemology and Metaphysics Seminar

A mandatory, two-hour, weekly seminar studying core topics in epistemology and metaphysics. This unit is examined on the basis of an essay of 5,000-6,000 words. As with all assessed essays, you can meet with a supervisor to discuss your work and to receive feedback on a draft essay.

• Philosophical Writing and Research Seminar

A mandatory, two-hour, weekly seminar developing ideas and bibliographical and writing skills necessary for philosophical research. The unit is assessed by seminar contributions and presentations.

• Value Theory Seminar

A mandatory, two-hour, weekly seminar studying core topics in moral and/or political philosophy. This unit is examined by an essay of 5,000-6,000 words.

• Law Unit

A 30 credit unit from one of the School of Law's LLM units.

Optional Units

For each optional unit you may choose either:

i) a taught seminar unit from a list of those available. The list changes from year to year and includes the taught units available in Philosophy and History of Science including Philosophy of Mathematics and Philosophy and History of Medicine; or

ii) a taught unit by individual tutorials on an agreed topic of your choosing.

Each optional unit is assessed by an essay of 5,000-6,000 words

Dissertation

Upon successful completion of all taught units, you will proceed to write a dissertation on an approved subject linking Philosophy with Law, with a maximum length of 15,000 words. The dissertation is your chance to produce an extended piece of philosophical research that can act as preparation for a graduate research degree. You will have supervisory meetings with a member of staff who will also provide feedback on a draft of your work.