Masters of Arts in Philosophy of Physics

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

This is a challenging one-year taught master’s degree focused on advanced topics in communication networks (fixed and wireless) and related signal processing, including associated enabling technologies. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop the skills needed for careers in some of the most dynamic fields in communication networks.

This program builds on the internationally recognised research strengths of the Communications Systems and Networks, High Performance Networks and Photonics & Quantum research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. The groups conduct pioneering research in a number of key areas, including network architectures, cross-layer interaction, high-speed optical communications and advanced wireless access.

The program includes units on Optical Networks and Data Centre Networks. Optical Networks focuses on wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks, time division multiplexed (TDM) networks including SDH/SONET and OTN, optical frequency division multiplexed networks, and optical sub-wavelength switched networks. Data Centre Networks focuses on networks for cloud computing, cloud-based networking, grid-computing and e-science. There is a further networking unit: Networked Systems and Applications, which provides a top-down study of a networking system support for distributed applications, from classical web and email to telemetry for the Internet of Things.

The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, one of only a handful of accredited program in this field in the UK.

You will explore the full range of plant biology, from enzymes to ecosystems. You will gain knowledge of the diversity, evolution and function of plants and of the latest developments in functional genomics, bioinformatics, plant developmental biology, plant pathology, parasite biology, cell signalling, pollination biology, ecology, plant conservation and systems biology.

The degree starts broadly before introducing more choice in years two and three, including a week-long field or laboratory course and a ten-week practical research project.

The University Botanic Garden is nearby. It was the first new university botanic garden to be built for 40 years and holds more than 4,500 plant species.

The MSci is particularly suited to students who are planning to continue in plant science research and would like extra experience and a competitive edge when applying for PhDs or research jobs.

Physics is a truly international venture. This degree generally follows the structure of the MSci Physics course, offering a comprehensive grounding in physics and mathematics, practical work in the laboratory, and computational physics, alongside the study of a language to prepare you for your third year in Europe.

You will be placed at a partner university in Europe for an academic year, studying units that parallel, as far as possible, the third year of the Bristol degree programme. For further details of year, abroad opportunities visit Global Opportunities.

In your final year back in Bristol you will undertake a major project or dissertation, working in a research group with a member of staff. Our students' final-year projects address questions at the frontier of our research fields, and the most successful have been published in scientific journals.

You will join a friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We encourage you to develop a broad range of skills, including problem solving and communication while experiencing life as a physicist in a different culture.

Our physics graduates have an excellent record of employment, a testament to the value that employers place on these skills.

This course is ideal for students interested in learning how to use numbers and data within sociology. 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 Sociology course. You will study society’s structures, forms of action and cultural practices, and understand changes in social life. You will gain a thorough grounding in sociology, as well as opportunities to specialise in new areas of research conducted by academics at the forefront of the discipline.

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.

This course is ideal for students interested in learning more about how to use numbers and data within politics. 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 Politics and International Relations course where you will acquire core knowledge in your subject. You will study the politics of individual countries and governments and the relationships between countries, communities and individuals. You will become familiar with different views and methods of analysis, learning to apply and evaluate them.

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.

The first two years of this course provide a background in mathematical analysis, modelling and scientific computation and their application to engineering. These core topics underpin the advanced material that follows.

As well as gaining first-hand exposure to pioneering research, after your first two years you will have a wide choice of options from across engineering and mathematics to fit your interests.

A major focus of the course and a key strand throughout the curriculum is real-world problem solving, spanning many different application areas from robotics and social media to medicine and environmental modelling. Problems come from our industrial collaborators or address challenges in current research. Working on these case studies, using theory and techniques from your other units, you will develop your mathematical modelling, collaboration and communication skills.

A highlight is your final year project – a highly creative, challenging and enjoyable experience that is excellent preparation for your future career.

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.

This four-year integrated economics and management degree allows you to study both disciplines to a high level, and gives you a fantastic opportunity to live and study abroad for a year at one of our partner universities. The degree is the same as the three-year BSc Economics and Management until you get to year three, which you will spend abroad studying modules in economics and management. You will return to Bristol for your final year.

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.

Our MA draws on these strengths. It is intended both for students who have a first degree in philosophy who wish to specialise in philosophy of science at a higher level, and for individuals with a background in pure science who wish to make a transition to philosophy of science or to explore foundational issues within the sciences.

The emphasis of the programme is on philosophical issues arising from specific scientific disciplines, with particular focus on physics, biology and mathematics. The history of science is studied in terms of the philosophical debate about the nature of scientific method and knowledge.