MA Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics

Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Awards available	MA
Programme length	One year full-time; two years part-time
Location of programme	Clifton campus
Part-time study available	Yes
Start date	September 2022

Programme overview

The Department of Philosophy has exceptional research strength in the fields of logic and the philosophy of mathematics, and very strong links with the School of Mathematics. It is ranked by the latest Philosophical Gourmet Report as the strongest department in the UK for mathematical logic, the joint second strongest for philosophy of mathematics and the joint third strongest for philosophical logic. Bristol currently hosts a major research grant exploring a unified perspective on theories of truth and semantics; see our research pages.

This MA builds on these outstanding research strengths. It is intended for graduates of philosophy or mathematics who wish to study logic and philosophy of mathematics. The programme includes taught units in the Department of Philosophy and the School of Mathematics.

As a postgraduate student, you will be an active member of the department’s flourishing research culture. You will be encouraged to take part in regular departmental research seminars and workshops, including regular events in logic and philosophy of mathematics (see events pages). These often feature well-known scholars in the field from Bristol and beyond. There is also a weekly postgraduate seminar, where you may present your own work before your peers and learn to develop your argumentative strategies in a supportive environment.

Virtual open week

This programme was covered in our Philosophy and Religion webinar.

Watch on demand

Fees for 2022/23

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2022/23 are as follows:

UK: full-time: £10,700
UK: part-time: £5,350
Overseas: full-time: £21,100

Following the recent changes to fee assessment regulation, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students will no longer be charged a separate tuition fee. From the 2021/22 academic year they will be charged the same fees as Home students.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a five per cent increase in fees each year. Find out more about tuition fees.

Alumni scholarship

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship.

Funding for 2022/23

Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts funding pages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.

Programme structure

The MA consists of six taught units and a dissertation.

The unit Philosophical Writing and Research Seminar is taken by all MA students in the Department of Philosophy and equips students with analytical tools and argumentative strategies essential for graduate level study and research in philosophy.

In further taught units, you will study advanced topics in logic and philosophy of mathematics as well as selecting units from a range of available options.

This programme includes units taught in the School of Mathematics, for which adequate background is required.

Following the taught element, you would work on a dissertation on an approved topic of your choosing, with most of the work on this taking place over the summer. This is your chance to produce an extended piece of original philosophical research, guided by one-on-one supervisions with a member of academic staff. Some students use this as preparation for a graduate research degree.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) with a minimum average of 65% in philosophy (with a logic component) or a mathematics degree. Alternative qualifications can be considered if the relevant skills are demonstrated, applicants who do not hold a Philosophy degree will be required to upload a writing sample.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile C
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Admissions statement

Careers

Students who complete the MA in Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics have taken up careers in a whole range of industries, such as teaching and the IT sector.

This course provide students with a background in mathematics with an opportunity to develop verbal, written and argumentative skills that are highly valued by employers.

A number of MA graduates pursue further postgraduate research studies.

Apply now

Find out how to apply

Expected application closure date

Overseas applicants: 29 July 2022.

Home applicants: 12 August 2022.

Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from October 2021 until all places are filled. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment.