BA/MMath in Mathematics & Philosophy Handbook (2025-26 Entry)

A1 Aims of the Philosophy Programme

The Faculty of Philosophy shares the University's general aims as found in its Mission Statement.

In providing teaching in Philosophy it aims, by drawing on the strengths of the University and of its constituent Colleges, to provide a high-quality education, one which enriches the student's knowledge and understanding of fundamental issues. Undergraduates may study Philosophy in Oxford as a degree subject in one of seven Joint Honours programmes. Their common aims are:

1. to offer a structured but flexible programme of studies, one which entails the demands and the benefits of studying Philosophy in tandem with another discipline, and which allows study of an interdisciplinary nature;
2. to develop in students qualities and skills of value to them in their professional and personal life;
3. to attract and select high calibre students in the context of the University's policy on equal opportunities.

For all programmes it aims to appoint research-active staff to contribute their knowledge and skills to the teaching programmes. 

A2 Objectives of the Philosophy Programme

At all levels students will enjoy a challenging education in Philosophy. They will:

1. have developed the ability to read carefully and with sensitivity to context philosophical texts of different ages and/or traditions, through following a guided programme of regular reading assignments;
2. have been required to develop and to present (usually in writing) to their tutor/supervisor their own critical understanding of the issues studied;
3. have learned to engage in critical dialogue with their tutors and peers during regular tutorials, i.e. meetings between an expert tutor and one, two or occassionally three students, at which the participants' views are discussed, and have benefitted from the oral and/or written feedback on their work for tutorials;
4. have enjoyed, through the University and their College, access to excellent library holdings and a good range of IT resources, and have learned to use libraries effectively;
5. have had the opportunity to attend lectures and/or seminars (many given by leading researchers) both within and outside their chosen options, together with a range of special lectures and Philosophy society meetings;
6. have acquired knowledge and understanding of philosophy;
7. have developed the ability to think critically, to look for underlying principles, to identify and analyse key concepts
8. have developed independence of approach, good writing skills, a facility for independent learning and investigation, and good organisational skills;
9. have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities at College and University level to stimulate personal development;
10. have received sustained academic support from their tutors and pastoral support where appropriate from other providers;
11. have had the opportunity of appropriate careers advice. 

Undergraduate Programmes

All seven programmes are multi-disciplinary. Three of them, (Physics/Phil, Maths/Phil and Phil/Theol) require interdisciplinary study. Appropriate 'bridge subjects' are available for each of the other programmes, but are not required. For their first year examination(s) in Philosophy, students will have:

1. pursued a course which introduces them to central philosophical texts and issues, and enables them to acquire key philosophical skills and concepts. After the first examinations students work towards Finals. On completion, all will have:
2. taken an active role in planning a path through their programme, selecting subjects within each discipline and the balance between Philosophy and the other discipline(s), and will have benefitted from the simultaneous study of both disciplines at a higher level;
3. developed enhanced precision of through and expression in the analysis of problems and in the construction and marshalling of arguments;
4. received regular feedback through tutorials and regular reports, together with College examinations where considered appropriate, to enable them to assess their progress and identify strengths and weaknesses;
5. taken the Final written examinations in up to five Philosophy subjects at a time, thus enjoying the benefit of a mature understanding and possible cross-fertilisation between subjects.

A3 Aims of the Mathematics Programme

The programme aims:

• to provide, within the supportive and stimulating environment of the collegiate university, a mathematical education of excellent quality through a course which attracts students of the highest mathematical potential;
• to provide a learning environment which, by drawing on the expertise and talent of the staff, both encourages and challenges the students (recognising their different needs, interests and aspirations) to reach their full potential, personally and academically;
• to provide students with a systematic understanding of core areas and some advanced topics in mathematics, an appreciation of its wide-ranging applications, and to offer the students a range of ways to develop their skills and knowledge;
• to lay the foundations for a wide choice of careers and the successful long-term pursuit of them, particularly careers requiring numeracy, modelling and problem-solving abilities;
• to lay the foundations for employment as specialist mathematicians or in research through the study in depth of some of a broad range of topics offered;

and for students taking the 4-year MMath (Hons):

• to provide the foundations for graduate study through a research degree at a leading university either in the UK or overseas. 

A4 Intended Learning Outcomes

Each outcome is broadly related to the educational programme aims and associated with a learning opportunity and an assessment strategy: