MA Philosophy: Science and the Natural World

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in philosophy, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, or a degree with a substantial philosophy component. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

All applicants should provide a personal statement explaining their interest in the programme and how it fits with their earlier studies.

Course content

We’ll encourage you to explore the ways in which scientific knowledge is produced, from the collection and description of species in natural history to the use of models, computation, digital publishing and data-sharing in contemporary biotechnology. You’ll develop the skills needed to critically assess the relevance of material, social and economic conditions for the production and future of biomedical knowledge.

Our focus on philosophical research methods will teach you how to reflect critically on a range of methods and explore their respective strengths and weakness. You’ll discover a range of different tools for approaching philosophical questions and implement them in your dissertation providing an excellent grounding for further research in philosophy.

You will be taught by staff who are research active in the field and who bring this research directly into their teaching. Our small group seminars enable you to interact closely with academics and also peers, providing a safe and stimulating environment in which to develop and debate your own ideas and opinions, discuss readings and learn from others.

Due to our interdisciplinary approach you will have the benefit of a wide choice of optional modules from across sociology and anthropology as well as philosophy. You can choose to explore fields such as science and technology studies, data science, social theory, food, body and society and the relationship between humans and animals.

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits comprised of a combination of compulsory and optional modules.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

Teaching takes place over the first two terms, leaving the third for your dissertation. Research-centred teaching is at the heart of the programme. Teaching is done in small seminar groups to allow students the best possible interaction with academic staff, through individual presentations and round table discussions of common readings.

Students have the opportunity to engage in a serious piece of research into a topic of their choosing through the dissertation module. You will be assessed through coursework which will vary depending on the modules you choose and the completion of a dissertation.

Careers

Employer-valued skills

In addition to the specialist knowledge you will gain during your programme, you will also develop transferrable skills valued by employers such as: 

• Researching, analysing and assessing sources of information
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Managing and interpreting information
• Developing ideas and arguments

Career support

The College's Employability Officer works with our central Career Zone team to give you access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training, as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.

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