Master of Arts in Philosophy

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

Our education master's degrees give you the opportunity to design a tailored program of study that suits your cultural and learning needs. You will be able to specialise and receive an award in a particular disciplinary area.

The Policy and International Development pathway focuses on the relationship between education policy and practice and international development. It probes the influence of global policy agendas on education and the contribution that education makes to social justice, economic growth and sustainable development.

In line with the sustainable development agenda, development is treated as an international issue and the pathway considers case studies from countries around the world as well as from within Bristol. It examines formal and informal education through diverse institutions and organisations, including schools, universities and community organisations.

This MSc takes a critical look at ideas about social development, such as human rights, the capability approach and peace building, and their implications for education policy and practice. There will be opportunities to explore how educational theories and practice travel between and are adapted to specific contexts. You will analyse the role of key organisations involved in the global governance of education, including civil society, international non-governmental organisations, development agencies and commercial bodies.

The Policy and International Development pathway develops your skills in using international and comparative research, both in education and in analysing education policy. You will be supported to develop your own reasoned position and distinctive critical voice for commenting on education policy and education’s role within social development at international, national and local level. You will have access to first-class library and information services, allowing you to study the specific ideas, issues, initiatives and policies you are interested in.

A-level standard offer

AAA including an essay based subject

This degree offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges. You will study the politics of individual countries and governments and the relationships between countries, communities and individuals.

This course follows the same structure as BSc Politics and International Relations but with an additional year spent abroad.

The year abroad is an exciting opportunity to experience and study a different society and culture. For further details on year abroad opportunities, please see Global Opportunities.

Our education master's degrees give you the opportunity to design a tailored program of study that suits your learning and professional needs. You will be able to specialise and receive an award in a particular disciplinary area.

This program focuses on inclusive practice. It is intended for teachers and other professionals working with students who are experiencing barriers to learning and participation or other special educational needs, whether in mainstream schools, special schools/units, colleges or early years settings.

It is designed to help you develop your knowledge, understanding and critical skills in analysing and evaluating current research, theory and practice. The program will provide you with opportunities to explore a range of areas, such as international developments in special/inclusive education, how to work with and involve parents and children, and the school's role in promoting inclusion. You will also look at a range of topics that arouse controversy and debate in the area of special needs.

The Inclusive Education pathway is designed for professionals with some experience, either in paid employment or as a volunteer.

The Department of Philosophy has exceptional research strength in philosophy of physics, and very strong links with the University's School of Physics. The latest Philosophical Gourmet Report ranked Bristol as the fourth strongest department in the UK for Philosophy of Physics and the joint strongest for General Philosophy of Science. The department is home to the Centre for Science and Philosophy and regularly hosts major research projects in philosophy of science (see our research pages)..

This MA draws on these outstanding research strengths. It is intended both for students who wish to specialise in philosophy of physics at a higher level, and for individuals with a background in physics or mathematics who wish to make a transition to philosophy and foundations of physics.

The MA is an exciting programme consisting of taught components in philosophy and physics, as well as a dissertation which is an opportunity to work on an extended and original piece of research on a topic of your choosing, with guidance from a research supervisor.

This integrated economics and management degree allows you to study both disciplines to a high level.

Your first year and half of your second year comprise mandatory units which will give you a solid grounding in both disciplines. This content is fixed to ensure that you have a depth of understanding which will enable you to explore what you find most interesting later on.

Half of your second year is made up of optional units, as is your entire final year. At least one third of your final year must be selected from units in economics, and at least one third from units in management – but aside from that restriction, you are free to focus on your preferred discipline, or indeed to select options in accounting or in finance (subject to having completed appropriate prerequisites). You also have the choice to complete a management dissertation.

This course is ideal for students interested in learning more about how to analyse and use numerical data within criminology. It provides training in practical and analytical skills, which will enhance your career prospects and provide you with a strong platform for postgraduate study. No prior knowledge of statistical techniques is required.

About two thirds of your studies will follow the single honours BSc Criminology course, where you will acquire core knowledge in crime and justice. By drawing on social harm perspectives, criminology at Bristol examines conventionally defined crimes along with other problem activities or behaviours which may not be criminalised but which still cause extensive harm to individuals and society. This approach helps you to develop a critical and informed understanding of crime and the criminal justice system, as well as related social and economic questions.

The remaining third of your course will provide interdisciplinary training in quantitative methods. In year one of the quantitative pathway we discuss how numbers and data are used to tell convincing stories in the media and social research. We consider what is meant by segregation and how it can be mapped and measured. Year two offers practical classes in social statistics and applied data analysis, which will develop your skills in numeracy and analysis and enable you to undertake your own individual research project in an area of quantitative social science in year three.