What is it to have a mind? Are mental properties reducible to neural properties? Could a computer ever truly think? Can we know what it is like to be a bat?

On this programme you will explore issues in philosophy of mind and the cognitive sciences, such as the nature of intentionality, physicalism, rationality and interpretation, computation, perception, and consciousness.

You will be taught by one the UK’s largest and most vibrant communities of philosophers of mind and cognition, who pursue original research on a wide range of topics giving you expert supervision for your dissertation.

You will also have the option to pursue modules in the Departments of Psychology or Computer Science. This programme is aimed at graduates with a background in philosophy, psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, computer science, or mathematics. It can also be used as a route into PhD research.

By studying philosophy you can develop many skills that are useful in both academic and non-academic settings:

Critical thinking skills: Good philosophers can analyse problems and assess opinions from different viewpoints. Philosophers do not take anything for granted. This is highly useful for problem-solving and decision-making.
Communication skills: Good philosophers can present and explain abstract concepts and complex arguments in an accessible manner. They are also good at persuading others by presenting logical and coherent arguments.
Writing skills: Good philosophers can communicate effectively in writing. They can write clearly and concisely without compromising rigour.
Research skills: Good philosophers can identify problems and collect necessary information to resolve them in a timely manner.

Why Study this Course?

Taught by experts – you will study alongside some of the finest minds in Philosophy. Times Higher Education ranked the Department of Philosophy second in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise.
Friendly and relaxed atmosphere – Staff within the Department of Philosophy are very approachable and happy to offer additional advice on academic performance.
Small classes – teaching on the masters-level modules involve mainly small-group seminars allowing you to really get to grips with the learning material. Experience of engagement with staff at an equal level
Be a part of an active postgraduate community – you will join a lively and stimulating Department where you can contribute to on-going research activities, including research seminars and events such as our weekly speaker series and various workshops, reading groups and conferences throughout the year.
Access to a wide range of services – as a postgraduate student you will have access to services such as the Academic Writing Advisory Service and the Bank of Assessed Work which will aid your transition from undergraduate to postgraduate level, or back into academia after a time away.

The postgraduate experience

The College of Arts and Law offers excellent support to its postgraduates, from libraries and research spaces, to careers support and funding opportunities.

Institutional Accreditation

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

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MA Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science

Course Level:

Postgraduate, Taught

Credits

180

Course

CODE P1068

How long it takes:

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$22,500

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

You will study three core modules plus three optional modules before completing your 15,000 word dissertation.

Core modules

You will study three core modules:

Research Skills and Methods

This module provides an introduction to the methods of contemporary philosophy. Topics addressed typically include: critical thinking in philosophy, reading in philosophy, research skills, dissertation planning, and presenting philosophical arguments in written work. You will also participate in online sessions focused on generic research skills.
Assessment: Two 2,000-word essays

Philosophy of Mind

This module covers a range of advanced topics in philosophy of mind. In any given year of delivery several of the following topics will be addressed in detail: theories of consciousness, dualism, behaviourism, functionalism, anomalous monism, the representational theory of mind, externalism vs. internalism, mental causation, interpretationism, representationalism, perception, non-conceptual content, personal identity, self-knowledge.
Assessment: One or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Plus one of:

Philosophy of Cognitive Science

This module covers key topics in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science. These will include foundational topics such as the Computational Theory of Mind and modularity, issues that have been central in the formation and development of cognitive science since the 1950s. We shall also address some more specialised and contemporary topics, which may include, for example, the scientific study of consciousness and perception, disorders or impairments of cognition, animal minds, and the issue as to what brain imaging techniques such as fMRI can tell us about the mind.
Assessment: One or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Philosophy and Mental Health

This module provides an overview of contemporary debates in philosophy psychiatry and Mental Health. In each seminar a new issue will be investigated, but there will be three interrelated threads throughout the module. One is about the nature of psychiatry. The second is about the sense in which psychiatric disorders are disorders of the self. The third is about how we should respond to people with psychiatric disorders, considered from a wide range of perspectives, including interpersonal, clinical, ethical, legal and public health policy. These themes will be addressed by reference to different aspects of psychiatry (classification, diagnosis, aetiology, research, treatment, etc.) and different psychiatric disorders (addiction, anorexia, dementia, dissociation, schizophrenia, personality disorders, psychopathy, etc.) and different disciplinary frameworks. The module will also have a practical element involving structured, outcome-focussed deliberation about difficult cases highlighting these threads and their interrelations.
Assessment: One or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Optional modules

You will also choose three optional modules. Options typically available in Philosophy include:

Bioethics
Epistemology
Ethics and Global Ethics
God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life
Human Rights
Metaphysics
Philosophy and Mental Health (if not taken as core)
Philosophy of Cognitive Science (if not taken as core)
Philosophy of Health and Happiness
Philosophy of Language
Topics in Global Justice

However, up to 40 credits can also be taken from outside the discipline, such as from the School of Psychology or the School of Computer Science.

Options typically available in Psychology include:

Autumn term

BICN-Fundamentals in Brain Imaging Methods
Design and Analysis 1
Introduction to Computational Methods
Introduction to Neuroscientific Methods
Matlab Programming

Spring term

Advanced Brain Imaging in Cognitive Neuroscience
Advanced Computational Methods
Application of Electrophysiological Approaches in Cognitive Neuroscience
Design and Analysis 2
Mind, Brain, and Models

Admission to Psychology modules is at the discretion of the relevant module lead, subject to students demonstrating that they have the relevant background and skills to complete the module.

Dissertation

In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a
supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc: Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: Philosophy

Newcastle Philosophy postgraduates develop a range of skills that are highly desirable in the job market including articulacy, precise analytical thought, and the ability to analyse and construct sound arguments.

Due to the transferable nature of these skills, Philosophy postgraduates traditionally enter a wide range of employment areas, from teaching and lecturing to social work. Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include BBC, Friends of the Earth, Newcastle Children?s Hospital, Highways England, Ministry of Justice and University of Newcastle . Over the past 5 years, 82% of Arts and Law postgraduates were in work and/or further study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2012 – 2017).