Philosophy of Biological and Cognitive Sciences

The Department of Philosophy has outstanding research strength in the fields of philosophy of biology, philosophy of psychology and philosophy of cognitive sciences. We are ranked by the latest Philosophical Gourmet Report (2017/18) as the strongest department in the UK for the philosophy of biology and the joint strongest for general philosophy of science. The department was recently home to a European Research Council project on Darwinism and the Theory of Rational Choice that explored connections between biological and cognitive science research. This MA builds on these outstanding research strengths. It is intended for graduates of philosophy, psychology or biology who wish to study philosophy of science with an emphasis on the biological and cognitive sciences. The programme focuses on philosophical issues arising from these scientific disciplines. The history of science is studied in terms of the philosophical debate about the nature of scientific method and knowledge. As a postgraduate student, you will be an active member of the department’s flourishing research culture. You will be encouraged to attend and participate in both the weekly departmental research seminar and in the Philosophy and History of Science seminar, which often features well-known scholars in the field, from Bristol and beyond. The department has strong links with the School of Psychological Science, the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology.

There is a wealth of information and assistance available for international students that start from the point of thinking about attending Bristol. The website has a range of country-specific information as well as general information about the application process. The university also takes part in the Erasmus program and has specific information about it. The International Office is available once students arrive at the university to help with matter such as visas and immigration paperwork and English language studies. This is ideal for those to whom English isn't a first language. They can even help with students seeking work between their studies and for those seeking work after their courses are finishing. The Student Union at the university is found in Queen's Road and is a founding member of the National Union of Students, meaning it is one of the oldest in the country. There are around 300 different clubs and societies to become involved with outside the classroom so there is always something for all tastes. There are volunteering opportunities as well as fundraising groups and those involved with sports. For less formal settings, there are also get active clubs and get green societies. As well as the many organisations and clubs on offer, the union is also responsible for the two student media outlets, the radio station and newspaper. It organises the annual fresher's fair as well as various community groups and large entertainment events.