Epistemology, Ethics and Mind (Online Learning)

This innovative online programme offers you a thorough grounding in contemporary philosophical research. It allows you to take advantage of Edinburgh’s remarkable range of expertise in the core philosophical areas of:

- epistemology

- ethics

- philosophy of mind and philosophy of cognitive science

Our state-of-the-art e-learning software and extensive digital resources allow you to gain a world-class graduate qualification online.

You will also benefit from the flexible structure of the programme. You will develop your own specialised interest under the expert guidance of our distinguished academics.

What will I learn?

We offer core courses in philosophical methodology and in the areas of epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science. We have advanced option courses available in epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science. Also available are option courses in philosophy of religion, philosophy of science and Islamic philosophy. Students can also choose to take the two core courses from this programme’s sister online MSc. in Philosophy, Science and Religion.

You will thus gain a broad foundation in the research methods used within philosophy, and also a deep knowledge of the central philosophical areas of epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind and cognitive science.

Is this MSc for me?

This is an online programme only and you can customise your learning in the areas you are most passionate about.

The innovative online format of the programme and the flexibility of study it offers makes it accessible to those with family or professional commitments, or who live far from Edinburgh.

It provides an excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of philosophy, whether you choose to pursue this further in academic research or in a professional career.

Reputation, relevance and employability

Edinburgh has a proud and distinguished place in the history of philosophy and has long been associated with some of the field’s most important thinkers. Our philosophy department, one of the largest in the world, is now home to academics leading research into a wide range of contemporary topics.

Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals.

Our programme has an excellent reputation among employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and we have a high academic job placement record.

Philosophy is rated 4th in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).