MA in Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics

The Department of Philosophy has exceptional research strength in the fields of logic and the philosophy of mathematics, and very strong links with the School of Mathematics. It is ranked by the Philosophical Gourmet Report as the strongest department in the UK for mathematical logic, and the second strongest for philosophical logic.

Our MA draws on these strengths and is open to students with first degrees in philosophy or mathematics. It consists of six taught units, examined by essay, and a 15,000-word dissertation.

As a postgraduate student, you will be an active member of the Department's flourishing research culture. You will be encouraged to attend and participate in both the weekly departmental research seminar and in the Philosophy and History of Science seminars, which often feature well-known scholars in the field, both from Bristol and beyond. There is also a weekly postgraduate seminar, where you may present your own work before your peers and learn to develop your argumentative strategies in a supportive environment.

The MA consists of taught components, examined by essay, and a dissertation. You will take six taught units, normally three in each semester.

Compulsory Units

• Philosophical Writing and Research

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

• Epistemology and Metaphysics

A mandatory two-hour weekly seminar studying core topics in epistemology and metaphysics. The unit is examined by an essay of 5,000-6,000 words, a draft of which can be discussed with your supervisor before final submission.

• Philosophy and History of Mathematics
• Essay Unit

Taught by individual tutorials on an agreed topic of your choosing. Assessed by an essay of 5,000-6,000 words.

Optional Units

• Logic
• Axiomatic Set Theory
• Scientific Epistemology and Methodology
• Philosophy of Physics
• History of Science
• Philosophy of Psychology
• Philosophy of Biology
• Individual, supervised research project
• MSc unit from Mathematics

Options in the Philosophy Department are assessed by 5,000-6,000 word unit essays supervised by your lecturer. Feedback on a draft of your work will be provided.

Dissertation

Satisfactory completion of semesters 1 and 2 will allow you to progress to writing a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on an approved topic of your choice. The dissertation is your chance to produce an extended piece of philosophical research that can act as preparation for a graduate research degree.