MPhil in Philosophy
Course Structure
MPhil candidates are examined on an essay of not more than 4,000 words (including footnotes but excluding bibliography), an essay of not more than 8,000 words (including footnotes but excluding bibliography), and a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography), all on topics which must first be approved by the Degree Committee.
i) Essays
The essays must be in the following areas of Philosophy, including their history: Metaphysics and Epistemology; Philosophy of Mind; Logic and Philosophy of language; Philosophy of Science; Ethics and Moral Psychology; Aesthetics; and Political and Legal Philosophy. Both essays cannot be in the same area. However, the Degree Committee may decide to grant candidates specific permission to submit one essay in an area not listed above, provided it is in Philosophy.
ii) Dissertation
The topics of all MPhil dissertations must be in Philosophy, and be such that suitable Supervisors and Examiners are available; but they need not fall within the areas listed above. They may be related to candidates’ essay topics, but the dissertation must not reproduce or paraphrase any significant part of either of the essays.
