Philosophy, Science and Religion (Online Learning), MSc, PgCert, PgDip

  • Application Deadline
  • 12 months
    Duration
The Philosophy, Science and Religion (Online Distance Learning) program offered by The University of Edinburgh brings together leaders in the fields of philosophy, science and theology, based both in Edinburgh and across the world.

About

Philosophy, science and religion are three endeavours that shape in far-reaching and fundamental ways how we think, what we value, and how we live. Public discourse, professional life, politics and culture revolve around the philosophical, scientific and religious ideas of our age; yet they and their relationship to each other are not well understood.

Students will be brought up to date with the relevant scientific developments – including quantum mechanics, relativity, cosmology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and human origins – the relevant theological issues – including the problem of evil, miracles, theological conceptions of creation, theological conceptions of providence, and eschatology – and the philosophical tools in philosophy of science, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of language required to understand the relationship between them.

Students will develop logical acumen and analytical skills, and the ability to express themselves clearly in writing and in conversation with diverse groups of students from around the world. As well as being a leading research institution in philosophy, theology and the sciences, Edinburgh has lead the way in providing high quality, bespoke and intensive online learning at postgraduate level.

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

The Philosophy, Science and Religion (Online Distance Learning) program offered by The University of Edinburgh is designed to give you a rigorous grounding in contemporary work in the intersection of philosophy, science and religion.

Career prospects

This course is designed to prepare you for doctoral work in relevant areas of philosophy and/or theology.

However, the skills of analytical but creative thinking, clear writing, and the abilities to manage projects that require significant research and to engage in constructive conversations across disciplinary and cultural boundaries, are all highly sought after by employers in a diverse range of fields.

Programme Structure

  • You will take options from a wide range of courses offered by the Department of Philosophy and the School of Divinity both jointly and individually, and will be required to write a dissertation.
  • All students will be required to take two core courses: Philosophy, Science and Religion 1: The Physical World; and Philosophy, Science and Religion 2: Life and Mind.
  • Courses will include online lectures, tutorials, quizzes, discussion sessions and personal tutor contact.
  • At the dissertation stage, you will be assigned a supervisor with whom you will meet, through video conferencing, to plan and discuss your research and writing.

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity

    You can choose to do this programme part-time or full-time.

    Full-time
    • Full-time duration 12 months
    • Duration description
      PgDip - 9 months
    Part-time
    • Average part-time duration 72 months
    • Duration description
      MSc - up to 6 years, PgDip - up to 4 years, PgCert - up to 2 years
  • Languages
    • English
    Schedule TOEFL® Schedule IELTS
  • Delivery mode
    Online
    • Attendance
      No Attendance
    • Student interaction
      Individual work/assignments (with online group discussions)
  • More information Go to the programme website

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    100

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    7

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Schedule IELTS

    StudyPortals Tip: The UK government has confirmed new English-language testing requirements for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

  • Minimum required score (Grade C):

    185

    C1 Advanced is a Cambridge English Qualification. It reports on the Cambridge English Scale between 142 and 210. You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and for Use of English. These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. Universities and colleges may ask you to achieve a specific score, either overall or for a particular skill.

    Note: degree programmes and applications may require a more specific minimum score for admission.

  • Minimum required score:

    67

    PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. Delivered and marked by computer, it reports on a scale between 10 and 90.

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: Upper Second Class

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

  • A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a relevant natural science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, mathematics) or relevant humanities subject (e.g. theology, religious studies, philosophy).

Getting a Student Visa

This is an online programme. You can attend from the comfort of your chair! So you don't need a student visa!

Tuition Fee

  • International

    17100 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 17100 GBP per year and a duration of 12 months.

  • EU/EEA

    17100 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 17100 GBP per year and a duration of 12 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.
  • MSc PT intermittent study: 20 credits £1,900; 60 credits £5,700
  • PgDip, PgCert PT intermittent study: 20 credits £1,900
  • PgDip FT fees: £11,400

Funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (

StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

The Global Study Awards: get funded with up to £10,000 to study abroad

Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.

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