Philosophy of Mental Disorder is taught jointly by the Department of Philosophy and the Institute of Psychiatry. The focus is on a variety of issues in the Philosophy of Psychiatry and the Philosophy of Psychology. The Dissertation must be on a topic in these areas. Also accessible if you have little philosophy at undergraduate level. Provides a solid knowledge base to progress to independent research.
KEY BENEFITS
- Unique graduate degree that focuses on fundamental issues at the intersection between philosophy and mental disorder.
- Seminars are taught by expert researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, and philosophy from throughout the University of London.
- Unrivalled London location allows students access to a huge array of talks and conferences on topics relevant to the degree.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Academic work involving philosophy, teaching, journalism, cultural management or the financial sector. Others take up or return to work in the field of mental health.
Programme leader/s
Dr Matteo Mameli
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Strand Campus and the Institute of Psychiatry, King's Denmark Hill Campus.
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
School of Arts and Humanities
Department of Philosophy
Closing date
31 July 2012 (though funding deadlines may be earlier)
Intake
Approximately 10.
Fees
PT Home: £3750 (2012)
PT Overseas: £7998 (2012)
FT Home: £7500 (2012)
FT Overseas: £15995 (2012)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 2765 / 2232
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The MSc in Philosophy of Mental Disorder is the result of a collaboration between the Department Philosophy and the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London. The programme is taught jointly by these two institutions and, for this reason, it is genuinely and helpfully interdisciplinary.
The main focus is obviously the theory of mental disorder. The programme provides a unique opportunity to examine issues arising at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, psychiatry and social science. More generally it provides the opportunity to examine the philosophical and conceptual problems raised by the study of the human mind.
DESCRIPTION
The degree requires one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. It includes a coursework component as well as a dissertation. The coursework component is divided into taught modules. Full-time students have to select three modules among those offered in the year they are taking the course. Part-time students choose two modules for their first year and one module for their second year (in the second year they also write their dissertation). For administrative purposes, the dissertation is also considered a module and is, in fact, the only compulsory module for this degree.
In addition to the seminars for each of the taught modules, there is also a Core Seminar for the students taking this degree. This provides a forum for acquiring essential background in philosophy and psychopathology, and for discussing fundamental problems at the intersection of those domains.
Applications from part-time study are welcome. As far as possible the timetable is structured to assist students with professional commitments.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Indicative non-core content
Students choose their remaining 120 credits from the modules below (all 40 credits):
- The Concept of Mental Disorder: philosophical, scientific and ethical perspectives
- Models of Psychopathology: meaning and causal connections in the explanation of disorder
- Philosophy of Psychology: various topics
- Philosophy of Mind: various topics
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Taught modules are assessed by essays, which have to be submitted in early June. The dissertation has to be submitted in early September.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7AANM109
Credit level: 7
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Module code: 7AANM108
Credit level: 7
The focus of this module is the concept of mental disorder as it has developed in modern psychiatry. The anti-psychiatry critiques of the 1960s and subsequent postmodern developments including social constructionism will be reviewed, and their relation to current biological approaches to psychopathology examined. Topics include: Foucault's critique of the modern development of the concept of mental disorder; cross cultural studies; Szasz on the myth of mental illness; feminism and psychiatry; social constructionism; facts and values in DSM and ICD; and disorder in an evolutionary-theoretic perspective.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Psychology, Social Sciences, Medicine, Psychiatry, Nursing, or any other field. Conversion students should show evidence of an interest in and aptitude for the subject.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
With your application form, you must include a sample of written work totalling approximately 3,000 words. We do not routinely interview applicants, but we may call you for interview; and you are very welcome to call the department to arrange a visit. We aim to process all applications within four weeks although this may take longer over holiday periods.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
You should use your personal statement to discuss your intentions for the programme, and the route that has led you to it. Along with other relevant information, please give your A-level (or equivalent qualification) results (school/college; date; subject; grade).
FUNDING
British and EU nationals can apply for AHRC studentships and Graduate School and School of Humanities studentships and bursaries. Overseas research students can apply for Overseas Research Scholarships (ORS). The Department offers two Departmental bursaries: The Sorabji Graduate bursary (up to £10,000 annually) and the Susan Stebbing bursary (up to £2,000 annually, for female students only).
For further information, see the Departmental postgraduate Funding page:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/philosophy/study/funding/index.aspx
Related programme student profile
Philosophy MAKing's was a natural choice for me because of its unbeatable reputation, outstanding lecturers, and fantastic surrounding environment.
Although King's lecturers are very busy, they are willing to spend time with students offering invaluable advice about assignments, exam preparation, and dissertations. Rather than simply telling me what to do, my lecturers focused on teaching me the skills required for finding my own answers and correcting problems in my work.
London is one of the centres of Philosophy and Humanities. While at King's, I have had the opportunity to attend lectures held by the Royal Institute of Philosophy and visit many of London's world class landmarks, including Royal Albert Hall, the National Gallery, and Tate Modern. By studying in London you have the opportunity to experience some of the finest performances, artwork, and academic presentations in the world.
King's has its own bar and pub, and there are also many cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants around campus, which are great for gathering. King's students are passionate in what they study, so there's almost always some common ground to connect with people. In addition to classes, my programme organises research seminars for students, which can help you get to know people through academic exchange.