Philosophy of Physics

This course consists of core courses in the philosophy of physics, the philosophy of science and one elective subject. You are examined on the basis of four essays. Tuition is offered in the form of supervisions, lectures and classes.

Please note that this course is not a research degree.

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.

Supervisions are usually around two hours long, on a subject to be chosen by you in consultation with your supervisor, normally on an issue arising out of classes and lectures.

You will write an essay for each supervision, and discussion of this essay will form the basis of the supervision.

This subject is examined by two essays, each of no more than 5,000 words, to be written over the Easter vacation, on topics that will be prescribed by the examiners. At most one essay may fall under each of the following subjects:

• the philosophy of quantum theory
• the philosophy of space, time and symmetry
• the philosophy of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics
• other topics in the philosophy of physics (previous topics have included black hole thermodynamics and the black hole information paradox).

You will attend the undergraduate lecture courses in the philosophy of science and the graduate class in philosophy of science and receive supervisions. This subject is examined by one essay of no more than 5,000 words on a topic of your own choosing, but excluding topics specifically in the philosophy of physics (as specified above).

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. This subject is examined by one essay of no more than 5,000 words on a topic of your own choosing.

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 of no more than 5,000 words each;
• 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.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Philosophy, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Philosophy.

MSt in Philosophy of Physics graduates usually progress to the second year of Oxford's BPhil in Philosophy or to doctoral programmes, either at the faculty itself or elsewhere. Some, however, have pursued non-philosophical academic careers, or careers outside academia. The graduate destinations of the seven most recent cohorts of students are available on the MSt alumni webpages.

The faculty aims to assist students and graduates in securing academic jobs. The faculty appoints a Placement Officer who, in conjunction with the Assistant Graduate Officer, runs the faculty’s placement scheme. The Placement Officer helps job applicants with the preparation of their CVs, provides advice about the presentation of material in an application dossier, arranges practice interviews and generally attends the Eastern Division meeting of the American Philosophical Association to support candidates who have interviews there.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics MSc

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the faculty

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics MSc

All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy MSt

Philosophy DPhil

Philosophy BPhil

Philosophy of Physics MSt

Practical Ethics MSt

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Entry requirements