Philosophy

• Engage with cutting-edge research in philosophy to explore some of the biggest questions facing society
• Learn from a diverse team of academics with specialists in areas such as philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, phenomenology, ethics, and philosophy of the social sciences
• Immerse yourself in the lively research culture of Egenis, a leading centre for the interdisciplinary study of the life sciences (including the cognitive, medical and environmental sciences)
• Study in small seminar groups, discussing ideas and the latest research trends with academics and your peers
• Create a bespoke programme with a range of optional modules from across philosophy, sociology and anthropology
• Gain key transferable skills in research, communication, self-management which will be valued by employers

We’ll actively encourage you to consider and debate some of the biggest questions facing mankind by engaging with the latest, cutting edge research in fields such as philosophy of science, philosophy of mind and contemporary ethics.

Our core module Introduction to Philosophical Methods, will give you a thorough grounding in a variety of different methods pursued in philosophical research as well as introducing you to the distinctive interdisciplinary character of research at Exeter. You’ll engage with methods such as conceptual analysis, naturalism, phenomenology, genealogy, experimental philosophy, historical sociological and ethnographic approaches.

You will be challenged to reflect critically on the different methods of philosophical research and taught how to use appropriate methods and materials to conduct your own research when completing your dissertation.

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. In addition to philosophical issues and debates, you can also choose to study areas such as social theory; science and technology studies; the relationship between humans and animals; food, body and society; gender at work; data science and policy analysis.

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