Philosophy of Mind and Psychology (Conversion) MSc
This Masters in Philosophy of Mind and Psychology (Conversion) engages with issues in the nature of the mind at the intersection of Philosophy and Psychology. It is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue a philosophy track but who do not have an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. A key strength of this programme is its blend of courses from both Philosophy and Psychology, while maintaining in-depth training in Analytic Philosophy. If you wish, this Masters can provide you with a fast-track into a PhD in Philosophy.
- Academic contact: Derek.Brown.2@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time
Why this programme
- Courses reflect up-to-date research, drawing upon staff expertise in philosophy and psychology of mind and perception, combined with core training in Analytic Philosophy.
- Students will participate in the ongoing PPN (Philosophy, Psychology, Neuroscience) seminar series.
- If you want to do a PhD in Philosophy of Mind but don't already have a Philosophy degree, then the MSc (Conversion) will allow you to apply straight away for the PhD in Philosophy.
- You will participate in ongoing research activities in Philosophy, Psychology, and the Centre for the Study of Perceptual Experience - a world-class perceptual research centre.
- Philosophy at the University has an illustrious history of original thinkers going against the grain of orthodoxy. Its past professors include such giants of empiricism as Adam Smith and Thomas Reid.
- Psychology at Glasgow is ranked 8th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland (Complete University Guide 2024).
Programme structure
The programme consists of a choice of four semester-length courses on the Philosophy or Psychology of mind, all driven by the cutting-edge research of our professors and lecturers. There is also a year-long core course offering training in analytic philosophy, and a 12,000–15,000-word dissertation to be completed on a topic of your choice, supported by an expert supervisor over the summer. Optional courses may vary slightly from year to year.
The Philosophy MSc has four components:
- INTRODUCTION TO ANALYTIC PHILOSOPHY A and INTRODUCTION TO ANALYTIC PHILOSOPHY B (20 credits each, 40 credits in total)
- A choice of two Philosophy Courses (20 credits each, 40 credits in total)
- A choice of two Psychology Courses (20 credits each, 40 credits in total)
- A dissertation on a topic of your choice guided by individual support from an expert supervisor (60 credits).
Approved Philosophy courses may include:
- PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
- PHILOSOPHY OF PERCEPTION
- Philosophy of Psychology
- Consciousness
- DREAMS PGT
- Emotions
- MIND AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT
- Philosophy of Pain & Pleasure
Approved Psychology courses may include:
- CURRENT ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY (PGT CONV)
- FROM VISUAL AWARENESS TO FREE WILL (PGT)
- PERCEPTION AND VISUAL COGNITION (PGT CONV)
- NEUROSCIENCE OF DECISION MAKING (PGT CONV)
Course choices must be agreed after discussion with the Programme Convenor/Director.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
This programme provides students with rigorous and personalised training in problem solving, writing, presentation and research. These invaluable skills can be applied in a wide range of careers, including journalism, teaching, the Civil Service, local government, business, publishing, law, and the arts. It also provides students with an exceptional foundation for doctoral level research.
You will also be well equipped to carry onto a further degree in philosophy such as the PhD.
Entry requirements
A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in any subject, including science, social science, arts and humanities etc.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.5
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)
- 79; with Reading 19; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 24
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with no subtest less than: Listening 59;Reading 60; Speaking 59; Writing 74
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- Oxford ELLT 7
- R&L: OIDI level no less than 7 with Reading: 25-26 and Listening: 18-19
- W&S: OIDI level no less than 7
Trinity College Tests
Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
Application deadlines
September 2024
- International & EU applicants: 26 July 2024
- UK applicants: 16 August 2024
