University of Oxford
Philosophy of Physics MSt
University of Oxford

Key Course Facts

Course Description

This one-year, full-time taught graduate course offers high quality graduate education in philosophy of physics and aims to provide a foundation on which you can go on to pursue doctoral work in the area. It is likely to be of particular interest for candidates whose background is in physics and/or mathematics, including philosophy graduates with experience in physics and/or mathematics who want to specialise in philosophy of physics.

The course presumes an undergraduate-level education in physics. Candidates without such a background who wish to pursue the philosophy of physics for graduate study are encouraged instead to apply for the BPhil. This course is not available in part-time mode of study and is not offered via distance learning. Please note that this course is not a research degree.

Course structure

This course consists of two core subjects (Philosophy of Physics, and Philosophy of Science) and one elective subject. Tuition is offered in the form of supervisions, lectures and classes. In a typical fortnight during term, a student can expect to spend around two hours receiving one-to-one supervision, around four to eight hours attending lectures, around four to eight hours attending graduate seminars, and around four hours attending the Faculty's dedicated Philosophy of Physics invited speaker series. This translates as around 20–30% of a full-time working week. Students should expect to spend the remaining time on self-directed study.

Philosophy of physics

During the first two terms, you will attend the undergraduate lecture course in Intermediate Philosophy of Physics, participate in a dedicated graduate class in Advanced Philosophy of Physics, and will receive supervisions with (an) expert(s) in the field.

Philosophy of science

You will attend the undergraduate lecture courses and the graduate class in philosophy of science and receive supervisions.

Elective subject

You will study one of the following subjects:

  • Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge
  • Philosophy of Mind and Action
  • Philosophical Logic and Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Mathematics

You will attend the graduate class in the elective subject and receive supervisions.

Course outcomes

In completing the course, it is expected that you will have:

  • pursued a course requiring a high standard in each of the three examined elements, ie philosophy of physics, philosophy of science and an elective subject;
  • studied these subjects through supervisions with an expert supervisor and via classes convened by an expert or experts in the relevant field;
  • been examined on your chosen areas by a requirement to write four essays;
  • had many opportunities to hear and participate in philosophy and philosophy of physics, by attending an annual Graduate Philosophy Conference, talks by invited speakers, philosophy societies and discussion groups, and especially by attending the philosophy of physics research seminars and graduate philosophy of physics discussion classes; and
  • been a member of a college graduate community, associating with graduates from many countries, cultures, and academic disciplines.

The course has no fieldwork, industrial placement or year abroad element, but you may decide to attend conferences, workshops or research training elsewhere.

You may also attend any undergraduate and graduate classes, seminars and lectures in and outside of the Faculty of Philosophy which are of interest to you, provided those classes, seminars and lectures are open to you.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 7.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • (no subscore less than 6.0)
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Philosophy of Physics, MSt, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of University of Oxford in top UK and global rankings.

See all 39 university rankings of University of Oxford

About University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a prestigious research university located in Oxford, England, and is the oldest English language university in the world. It is made up of 39 partly autonomous constituent colleges, six private halls, and a variety of academic departments which are split into four divisions: Humanities, Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

List of 389 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Oxford - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Oxford

Total number of students enrolled at University of Oxford by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
undergraduates:
12425
postgraduates:
9785
Total:
22210
Source: Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
  • Official Guide for an Oxford Applicant: Undergraduate (1/3) – What Oxford is Like
  • Our student stories – finding a place
  • Aula Education: Anders' advice for Economics & Management students
  • I am African, and Oxford was for me: Oxford MBA
  • The Master of Public Policy at Oxford (MPP)
  • How has Oxford changed you?

Where is this programme taught

University of Oxford
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
European Philosophy with Spanish MA (Hons) University of Dundee 88% 5% 5% £9250 £20900 180 Dundee On campus Full-time
German and Philosophy (5 yrs) MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 80% 0% 15% £9250 £21900 £20800 189 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
English and Philosophy MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 85% 5% 5% £9250 £21900 £20800 181 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Legal Studies and Philosophy MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 90% 4% 4% £9250 £21900 £20800 196 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Philosophy and English Literature MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 71% 3% 5% £9250 £26500 186 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Natural Philosophy MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen - - - £9250 £21900 £20800 - Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Philosophy MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 73% 4% 3% £9250 £26500 148 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Anthropology and Philosophy MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 93% 0% 0% £9250 £21900 £20800 180 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Philosophy and Economics MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 71% 3% 0% £9250 £26500 152 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Politics, Philosophy and Economics MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 71% 3% 5% £9250 £26500 194 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Admission advice for international students