The main aims of the MPhil in Philosophy are: to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests. By the end of the programme, students will have: a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research; demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field; shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research. Students work individually with supervisors to write two research essays: the first of up to 4,000 words and the second of up to 8,000 words; and a thesis of up to 12,000 words. Students are also required to take part in a weekly seminar, in which they learn presentation and discussion skills by presenting their own research and by discussing presentations by other students in the MPhil group.