MSc Philosophy, Science & Religion (Online Learning)
The University of Edinburgh - School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 4 Year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 19,100
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
Philosophy, science and religion are three endeavours that shape in far-reaching and fundamental ways how we think, what we value, and how we live. Public discourse, professional life, politics and culture revolve around the philosophical, scientific and religious ideas of our age; yet they and their relationship to each other are not well understood.
This programme brings together leaders in the fields of philosophy, science and theology, based both in Edinburgh and across the world.
You will be brought up to date with the relevant scientific developments including quantum mechanics, relativity, cosmology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and human origins, the relevant theological issues including the problem of evil, miracles, theological conceptions of creation, theological conceptions of providence, and eschatology, and the philosophical tools in the philosophy of science, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of language required to understand the relationship between them.
You will develop logical acumen and analytical skills, and the ability to express yourself clearly in writing and in conversation with diverse groups of students from around the world. As well as being a leading research institution in philosophy, theology and the sciences, Edinburgh has lead the way in providing high quality, bespoke and intensive online learning at postgraduate level.
The innovative online format of the programme and the flexibility of study it offers makes it accessible to those with family or professional commitments, or who live far from Edinburgh.
This MSc in Philosophy, Science and Religion is designed to give you a rigorous grounding in contemporary work in the intersection of philosophy, science and religion.
Curriculum
Online learning
This is an online-only programme that will be taught through a combination of short video lectures, web discussion boards, video conferencing and online exercises.
You will have regular access both to faculty and dedicated teaching assistants, including one-to-one interactions. You will also interact with other students on the programme as part of a dedicated virtual learning environment.
Programme Structure
You will take options from a wide range of courses offered by the Department of Philosophy and the School of Divinity both jointly and individually and will be required to write a dissertation.
All students will be required to take two core courses: Philosophy, Science and Religion 1: The Physical World; and Philosophy, Science and Religion 2: Life and Mind.
Courses will include online lectures, tutorials, quizzes, discussion sessions and personal tutor contact.
At the dissertation stage, you will be assigned a supervisor with whom you will meet, through video conferencing, to plan and discuss your research and writing.
Program Outcome
The MSc in Philosophy, Science and Religion aims to develop students to:
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the key areas in the current science-religion interface including cosmology, evolution, and psychology and will be able to engage with them philosophically.
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills and philosophical acumen in approaching debates between science and theology.
- Engage critically with key textual sources in the field.
- Engage constructively in cross-disciplinary conversations.
- Demonstrate an openness to personal growth through a commitment to dialogue across intellectual and spiritual boundaries.
Career Opportunities
This course is designed to prepare you for doctoral work in relevant areas of philosophy and/or theology.
However, the skills of analytical but creative thinking, clear writing, and the abilities to manage projects that require significant research and to engage in constructive conversations across disciplinary and cultural boundaries, are all highly sought after by employers in a diverse range of fields.