The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

MA Cognitive Studies

Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, our grade point average in philosophy was higher than that of Oxford and Cambridge. Our courses are taught by some of the most respected philosophers in the world.

About the course

1 year full-time/2 years part-time

This subject crosses many disciplines. The choice of modules includes many in the Departments of Archaeology, Human Communication Sciences, Linguistics, Philosophy and Psychology.

You'll be based in the Department of Philosophy but you are free to specialise in any of the other subjects.

You'll study the key theoretical issues and how they relate to empirical findings on the development and functioning of human cognition.

Entry requirements

You'll need a first-class or 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject. We prefer philosophy, psychology, archaeology, human communication sciences or linguistics.

English language requirements for overseas students

Overall IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

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Core module

  • Research Seminar in Cognitive Studies

Optional modules

  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Psychology
  • Mind and Language Seminar
  • Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Evolutionary Primatology
  • Hominid Palaeontology
  • Palaeolithic Art
  • Linguistic Theory and Language Acquisition
  • Linguistic Theory and Language Processing

Teaching

  • Weekly seminars for the core module
  • Lectures and seminars for optional modules

Assessment

  • A long essay for each module
  • PhD proposal (for students intending to continue to a PhD)
  • Dissertation

Fees and funding

If you qualify, you may be able to get financial support through the University's studentships and fee waivers, and the AHRC Block Grant Partnership.

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Joanne Elliot
E: j.m.elliott@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 0587

Briana Toole, MA Philosophy

Where your masters can take you

A masters from Sheffield is excellent preparation for a PhD at any leading university. Many of our MA students take their PhDs with us, then go on to academic posts at places such as Aberdeen, Birkbeck, Cambridge, Essex, Keele, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Manitoba, Newcastle, Nottingham, the Open University, Oxford, Sheffield, Stirling and Zurich.

You'll be part of a large, diverse group of students from all over the world. You'll socialise together, share ideas and inspire each other.

A lively study environment

We want your time here to be rewarding, a positive experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The Philosophical Gourmet Report 2011 recognised our strengths in Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics, Philosophical Logic, Philosophy of Cognitive Science, Philosophy of Art, Kant, 19th Century Continental Philosophy, American Pragmatism and Feminist Philosophy.

The department is home to The Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies and the Leverhulme-funded Implicit Bias and Philosophy Project.

We have the first ever UK Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy, Professor Angie Hobbs.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form