James Mooney (MA Hons MSc Res)

Deputy Head of the Centre for Open Learning

Biography

Background

In my current role as Deputy Head of the Centre for Open Learning at the University of Edinburgh, I provide academic leadership and strategic vision for the Centre, with particular focus on learning, teaching, and the student experience. My commitment to student success is both professional and deeply personal. As a first-generation Edinburgh graduate who entered higher education through an access programme, I understand the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds. This experience underpins my ongoing commitment to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive — academically and personally.

My academic interests lie at the intersection of philosophy and film. I believe in the power of film to communicate and illuminate philosophical ideas. I curate and lead the Filmosophy series of philosophical film screenings, designed to engage public and academic audiences alike in accessible, thought-provoking discussion and debate.

Qualifications

  • MSc by Research (Film Studies), University of Edinburgh, 2016
  • MA Hons (Mental Philosophy), University of Edinburgh, 2002
  • Access Programme (Humanities), University of Edinburgh 1997

Responsibilities & affiliations

Committees

  • CAHSS Education Committee
  • COL Executive Committee 
  • COL Education Committee (convenor)
  • Future Students Committee
  • Student Discipline Committee
  • University Senate

Additional roles

  • Visiting/ Guest Lecturer (Arcadia University, USA, 2012 – 2021) 
  • Visiting/ Guest Lecturer (Jonkoping University, Sweden, 2012-2020) 
  • External Examiner (University of the West of Scotland, 2015 – 2018) 
  • External Examiner (University of Aberdeen, 2014 – 2017)  
  • External Examiner (University of Glasgow, 2009 – 2014)   

Undergraduate teaching

I have designed, developed and delivered dozens of courses and supported students across a wide range of programmes (Access Programme, International Foundation Programme, International Summer School, Short Courses). These include:

  • Access Humanities
  • Introduction to Philosophy
  • Logic and Argumentation
  • Philosophy of Film
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Philosophy through Film
  • Political Philosophy

Papers delivered

  • Towards a Lexicon of Lifelong Learning (UALL Conference, SOAS, 2024) 
  • The Thin Blue Line between Fact and Fiction (International Conference on Philosophy and Film, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2016) 
  • Free Will and Film: a cinematic exploration of the Deep Self View (Film-Philosophy International Conference, Edinburgh, 2016) 
  • Moon: a Parfitian Exploration of Identity and Ethics (CINE-CRI International Conference, Istanbul, Turkey, 2015)  
  • Film as Philosophical Pedagogy (TeLLLMe, Uppsala University, Sweden, 2015) 
  • Free Will Through the Lens of Transgressive Cinema (Alphaville International Film Conference, The University of Cork, Ireland, 2014) 
  • Bertolucci’s Cave: Platonic themes in The Conformist (Film and Philosophy International Conference, Lisbon, Portugal, 2013) 
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