Philosophy of Physics

The Philosophy of Physics MSc at the University of Oxford offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the conceptual and foundational questions arising at the intersection of philosophy and physics. Designed for students with a background in philosophy, physics, or related disciplines, this programme provides an in-depth analysis of core issues such as the nature of space and time, the interpretation of quantum mechanics, the philosophy of cosmology, and the conceptual frameworks underlying physical theories. Throughout the course, students engage critically with both classical and contemporary philosophical debates concerning the structure and interpretation of physical laws, the nature of scientific explanation, and the methods of scientific inference. The programme combines rigorous philosophical analysis with a detailed understanding of physical theories, encouraging students to develop their own reasoned perspectives on unresolved questions in the foundations of physics. The curriculum includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, culminating in a dissertation that reflects the student's analytical and critical skills. The department fosters an intellectually vibrant environment, facilitating interactions between students and leading specialists in the philosophy and foundations of physics. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for further academic research, teaching, or careers that require sharp analytical skills and a thorough understanding of contemporary issues in physics and philosophy. The Philosophy of Physics MSc at Oxford is tailored to prepare students for the intellectual challenges of understanding the universe at its most fundamental level, providing a solid foundation for ongoing inquiry into the profound questions about reality raised by modern physics.

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

Please note that this course is not a research degree.

Philosophy of physics

During the first two terms, you will attend the undergraduate (intermediate) lecture courses on the philosophy of physics, participate in a dedicated graduate class running once per week and should receive a total of twelve hours of one-to-one supervisions, eight hours in the first term and four hours in the second term. 

Supervisions are usually approximately two hours long so you should normally receive six two-hour supervisions in total, four in the first term and two in the second term. The subject of discussion during the supervisions will be chosen by you in consultation with your supervisor, normally on an issue arising out of the class 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 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

Philosophy of science

You will attend the undergraduate lecture courses in the philosophy of science and the graduate class in philosophy of science and should receive six hours of one-to-one supervisions, usually in the form of three supervisions of around two hours each. 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).

Elective subject

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 should receive six hours of one-to-one supervisions, usually in the form of three supervisions of around two hours each. 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 individual 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.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in physics (or a closely-related science discipline) or philosophy. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7, a first-class degree or the equivalent. 

Applicants should normally have prior knowledge to (UK) undergraduate level of quantum mechanics, relativity theory, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics and analytic mechanics. They should also have the mathematical background required to study these topics.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:One page
• Written work:Either one essay of 5,000 words or two essays of 2,000 to 2,500 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The Philosophy of Physics program at the University of Oxford offers students a unique interdisciplinary approach to exploring the conceptual foundations and philosophical questions underpinning modern physics. This program typically combines the rigorous analysis of physical theories with philosophical inquiry to deepen understanding of the nature of space, time, matter, and the fundamental laws that govern the universe. Students enrolled in this program engage with topics such as quantum mechanics, relativity, the nature of scientific explanation, the interpretation of physical theories, and the relationship between mathematics and physical reality. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking skills, enabling students to analyze complex scientific concepts from a philosophical perspective and to contribute to ongoing debates in the philosophy of science. The program may include lectures, seminars, and independent research, often encouraging engagement with leading scholars in both philosophy and physics. Graduates of the Philosophy of Physics program are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, science communication, or further postgraduate study. The program reflects Oxford’s tradition of fostering innovative interdisciplinary research and is supported by a strong faculty expertise in both philosophy and physics, creating an intellectually stimulating environment for students interested in understanding the conceptual underpinnings of physical theories.