University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2023/24 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Arts > Department of Philosophy > Philosophy of Physics (MA) > Specification
Programme code | 1PHIL001T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Max Jones
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Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
School/department | Department of Philosophy |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Philosophy (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This section sets out why studying this programme is important, both in terms of inspiring you as an individual and in considering the challenges we face. It describes how this degree programme contributes to:
The main aim of this programme is to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the philosophical foundations of modern physics and related debates in the philosophy of science. The course is intended both for students who wish to specialise in philosophy of physics at a higher level, and also for individuals with a background in physics or mathematics that wish to make a transition to philosophy and foundations of physics.
The students will acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to engage with core philosophy of physics topics such as the philosophical foundations of quantum mechanics, relativity theory and quantum field theory. Students will develop skills to analyse and assess the conceptual problems in the foundations of physical theories and to relate these problems to contemporary philosophical debate.
Students will also be given the opportunity to developing ideas, bibliographical and writing skills necessary for philosophical research. They will also gain knowledge and understanding and to study core topics in scientific epistemology and metaphysics. This course will provide students with a Maths and Physics backgrounds with an opportunity to develop verbal, written and argumentative skills that are highly valued by employers and which their previous education may not have equipped them with. This programme will equip students with the necessary knowledge and research skills to go on to do a PhD.
The learning outcome statements shown below for your programme have been developed with reference to relevant national subject benchmarks (where they exist), national qualification descriptors (see the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) and professional body requirements.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies are listed to show how you will be able to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes.
This programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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Methods are tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Assessment tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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Methods are tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Assessment tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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Seminars with student-led presentations |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Formatively assessed on basis of classroom performance |
Embedded within the curriculum |
The curriculum includes a range of support for students to enhance their employability through embedded learning. Employability skills are embedded across all degree programmes, allowing students to graduate with an impressive range of transferable and analytical skills. For example, independent research projects will develop a student’s ability to research, whilst regular in-class discussions challenge students to think critically and creatively through dialogue with their peers. Further assessment and activities will equip students with further transferable skiklls, including digital, problem-solving, analysis, organisation, presentation and communication skills.
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Co-curricular opportunities |
Students have the opportunity to access a wide range of careers guidance and support alongside their studies. The Careers Service deliver career workshops, talks, webinars, and one-to-one appointments are available throughout the academic year. Through our online careers portal, mycareer, students can find part-time and vacation work, internships and graduate jobs and access hundreds of careers resources, including CV builders and virtual mock interview practise. The Careers Service works with a range of external partners to facilitate a range of employability initiatives, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to provide internships in smaller companies.
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This section describes what is expected from you at each level of your programme. This illustrates increasing intellectual standards as you progress through the programme. These levels are mapped against the national level descriptors published by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Level M/7 - Masters |
To achieve the MA, students needs to have achieved 180 credit points, with all assessed work achieving the minimum pass mark of 50%. To achieve this, students need to:
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For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
For faculty guidelines for dissertation see:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/unit-programme-catalogue/UnitDetails.jsa?ayrCode=16%2F17&unitCode=AFACM1000N/A
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Philosophical Writing and Research Seminar | PHILM0025 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Physics | PHILM0005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Science | PHILM0033 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Advanced Philosophy of Physics | PHILM0029 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Relativistic Field Theory | PHYSM3417 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2C |
Foundations of Modern Physics | PHYSM0023 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Dissertation | PHILM0001 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Select 20 credit points from: | ||||
History of Science | PHILM0007 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy and History of Mathematics | PHILM0016 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Philosophy of Biology | PHILM0006 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Probability | PHILM0028 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Psychology | PHILM0020 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Epistemology and Metaphysics | PHILM0021 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
The Philosophy and History of Medicine | PHILM0022 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Personal Option Unit | PHILM0038 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Supervised Independent Study | PHILM0041 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Logic | MATH30100 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7 unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level 7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level 7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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