
Philosophy and Scottish Literature MA (Hons)
Course Overview - Philosophy and Scottish Literature MA (Hons)
This joint programme gives you an in-depth knowledge of Philosophy and Scottish Literature.
In Years 1 and 2, you will take courses that introduce you to the different aspects of each subject area, and choose options from a range of disciplines.
At honours level (Years 3 and 4), you will select courses based on your interests, so you can specialise in particular topics.
Combining literature with philosophy shows an openness to different ideas and perspectives which is valuable in many careers and the wider world.
Philosophy
This joint programme gives you an in-depth knowledge of Philosophy and Scottish Literature.<br/><br/>In Years 1 and 2, you will take courses that introduce you to the different aspects of each subject area, and choose options from a range of disciplines.<br/><br/>At honours level (Years 3 and 4), you will select courses based on your interests, so you can specialise in particular topics.<br/><br/>Combining literature with philosophy shows an openness to different ideas and perspectives which is valuable in many careers and the wider world.<br/><br/><strong>Philosophy</strong><br/><br/>Studying philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way. Philosophy:<br/><br/><br/>* introduces you to the thinking of some of the great philosophers of the past and present<br/><br/><br/>* shows the connections between different areas of human experience<br/><br/><br/>* increases awareness of assumptions that influence your beliefs<br/><br/><br/><strong>Scottish Literature</strong><br/><br/>From the Universitys Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, Edinburghs resources for studying Scottish literature are exceptional.<br/><br/>You will study in the oldest department of literature in the UK and one of the longest established in the world. Our Writers-in-Residence have included some of Scottish literatures most significant contemporary authors. To name but a few:<br/><br/><br/>* Jenni Fagan<br/><br/><br/>* Liz Lochhead<br/><br/><br/>* Sorley Maclean<br/><br/><br/>* Norman MacCaig<br/><br/><br/>* Michael Pedersen<br/><br/><br/>* Alan Warner<br/><br/><br/>In Years 1 and 2, you will explore the cultural contexts of all major periods of Scottish literature, from the late Middle Ages to the present. You will explore different approaches to reading and a range of poetry, prose and drama, including international literature written in English.<br/><br/>In Years 3 and 4, you will choose courses on Scottish Literature covering specific topics, periods or genres.<br/><br/><strong>Programme benefits</strong><br/><br/><br/>* Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583. Edinburgh was the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment and has a distinguished place in the history of philosophy.<br/><br/><br/>* You will have a choice of more than 40 option courses in Years 3 and 4 in all the main branches of philosophy and literature.<br/><br/><br/>* Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:<br/><br/><br/>* philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science<br/><br/><br/>* ethics<br/><br/><br/>* epistemology<br/><br/><br/>* history of philosophy<br/><br/><br/>* As the historical home of David Hume and Adam Smith, the city of Edinburgh has long been, and remains, a fitting place to study philosophy.<br/><br/><br/>* The University too, has a strong historical connection to the subject, with Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.<br/><br/><br/>* You will learn at the heart of a UNESCO World City of Literature, home of one of the worlds largest annual book festivals.<br/>
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Central area campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
VQ55
Institution Code
E56
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,A,A,A
AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: English at B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36
34
from 36 points with 665 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: English at 5.
A level
A*,A*,A
A,A,B
A*A*A - AAB. Required subjects: A levels: English Literature or combined English at B.
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Scotland | £1,820 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £29,600 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |