For a video interview about the MSc Philosophy of the Social Sciences, click here|.
Context
Are the social sciences truly scientific? Are they objective? What accounts for the diversity of methods in the social sciences (and lack of agreement as to which ones ought to be followed)? Do evolutionary explanations of social phenomena provide an accurate account of why societies are the way they are, or are such explanations merely unverifiable just-so stories? What relations exist among rationality, choice, action, and interpretation? These questions, among others, will be addressed during your studies in the MSc Philosophy of the Social Sciences. Taught by an department internationally recognized as one of the best in the world for philosophy of social science, this degree offers students the opportunity to further their study in either the philosophy of social science or the philosophy of economics, in addition to studying one course selected from the many social science offerings at the LSE.
This degree offers an excellent preparation for students interested in doctoral research in the philosophy of social science or general philosophy of science. It also provides an opportunity for members of the social scientific community to reflect on the foundations and aims of their profession.
The Programme
We will consider applicants with a first or upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc. If your first language is not English, please submit with your application to LSE a sample of your work in English (five to ten typewritten pages).
You select three courses from the following:
# All students must select at least one of the following options
† May not be taken together
An approved paper from any other master's programme at LSE
You will also attend the compulsory seminar Philosophical Research and Writing|.
You will complete a dissertation| of not more than 10,000 words, normally on a topic falling within the field of one of the courses you have taken.
Testimonials and Career Development
For a look at what some past students have gone on to do click here|.
Rankings of the Department
Philosophical Gourmet Report 2009|: 1st in the world for Philosophy of the Social Science.
Financial support
For information about financial support click here|.
When to apply
We urge students to apply early. We will continue to accept applications while space is available. Please see Graduate Admissions| to apply.
Additional information
See MSc Philosophy of the Social Sciences| in the Graduate Prospectus.