MA History and Philosophy of Science

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Arts)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme, students should have provided evidence of being able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of different issues in both history and philosophy of science.
- Manifest command of a range of research skills in both history and philosophy.
- Display in-depth and specialist knowledge of particular topics in history and philosophy of science.
- Critically evaluate current research and issues in history and philosophy of science.
- Exhibit skills of independent thought and project planning and execution in a dissertation project.

Transferable (key) skills

Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

- the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice;
- evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critical engagement in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:

- evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline;
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.

Learning context

For Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate students the learning context will include the analysis of, and decision making in, complex and unpredictable situations. The structure of the programme will provide breadth and/or depth of study and opportunities for drawing upon appropriate resources and techniques.

Opportunities will be provided for students to develop:
- interests and informed opinions,
- their involvement in the design and management of their learning activities,
- their communication of their conclusions.

Students will be expected to progress to fully autonomous study and work.