Philosophy of Mind & Psychology MSc
Philosophy Of Perception A PHIL5010
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Humanities
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
A Masters level course in the Philosophy of Mind which develops undergraduate level understanding of the new field towards a foundation for postgraduate research.
Timetable
6 two-hour seminars and 2 one-hour occasional tutorials. In addition to the 2 one-hour tutorials, students receive (1) immediate oral feedback on presentations at seminars; (2) written feedback on short non-assessed essays written during the semester; (3) availability of course lecturers during office hours.
This course may not run every year. Options running this year are available on MyCampus.
Excluded Courses
All courses in Philosophy associated with the MLitt Philosophy.
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ 1 x Essay (5000 words) - 100%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Develop students' undergraduate level understanding of the Philosophy of Mind to a level which allow them to engage with contemporary positions and arguments in the field
■ Enable students to articulate and critically evaluate their own position within these contemporary issues
■ Provide a foundation in this field for future engagement in original research in Philosophy
■ Provide the opportunity to achieve a foundation that equips the student for research leading to a Ph.D. in the following areas: The nature of the mind and of mental states including identity theory and functionalism; theories of intentionality.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able:
■ To explain the leading contemporary positions and arguments in the Philosophy of Mind
■ To articulate arguments for and against these theories, and compare them fruitfully and critically
■ To recognise and incorporate contemporary positions and arguments in the Philosophy of Mind into their own developing research fields where relevant