UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS · UNITED KINGDOM
Philosophy MA (Honours)
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS V500
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€38k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 4 yearsDuration
- September 2026Course start
- MA (Honours)Degree type
- UKCountry
The MA (Hons) in Philosophy at the University of St Andrews offers a comprehensive four-year program designed to immerse you in the fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, and ethics. You will explore a wide range of historical and contemporary philosophical thought, developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to articulate complex arguments clearly and effectively. The course is structured to build foundational knowledge in the first two years, with opportunities to specialize in areas of interest during the final two years, including the option to undertake a dissertation. This program equips graduates with highly developed independent judgment and strong communication skills, valuable for a variety of future paths.
Curriculum
The four-year MA (Hons) in Philosophy program follows a modular system. The first two years (sub-honours) focus on introducing core philosophical concepts and texts, alongside at least one other subject. The final two years (honours) allow for in-depth study of specialized philosophical topics, with the option to write a dissertation.
- Year 1 (Sub-Honours)
- Philosophy 2: Topics in Ethics, Political Philosophy, Metaethics, and AestheticsPY1015
- Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Epistemology, Philosophy of Language, and Philosophy of SciencePY1014
- Year 2 (Sub-Honours)
- Foundations of Western PhilosophyPY2011
- Intermediate LogicPY2010
- Moral and Aesthetic ValuePY2013
- Meaning and KnowingPY2012
- Philosophy 1: Topics in Mind, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Language, and Philosophy of SciencePY1014
- Years 3 & 4 (Honours)
- Advanced Logic
- Advanced Metaethics
- Classical Philosophy
- Conceptual Engineering and its Role in Philosophy
- Contemporary Epistemology
- Contemporary Philosophy of Language
- Continental European Philosophy from Descartes to Leibniz
- Core Works in Continental Philosophy
- Kant’s Critical Philosophy
- Paradoxes
- Philosophy and Public Affairs: Global Justice
- Philosophy, Feminism and Gender
- Philosophy of Law
- Philosophy of Perception
- Philosophy of Religion
- The Philosophy of Human Rights
- Timely Topics in Political Philosophy
- Work, Entitlement, and Welfare
- Dissertation (optional)
Careers
Graduates from the Philosophy MA (Hons) program develop highly sought-after skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication. These abilities are transferable to a wide range of professional fields.
- Policy Advisor
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Civil Servant
- Researcher
- Teacher
- Analyst
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students for the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
- The tuition fee for international students is £33,250 per year. A one-off digital documentation registration fee of £20 also applies.
- What is the duration of the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
- The Philosophy MA (Honours) program is a four-year course, starting in September 2026.
- What are the English language requirements for this program?
- For direct entry undergraduate study in the Arts faculty, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall is generally required. Please refer to the University's language test profiles for specific details.
- How do I apply for the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
- Applications for undergraduate courses are managed through UCAS. You should check entry requirements, submit your application via UCAS using the code V500, and provide all required supporting documents.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
- The specific academic entry requirements are to be confirmed. Prospective students should check the University website for the most up-to-date information.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
- Graduates develop skills in critical thinking and communication, which are valuable for roles such as Policy Advisor, Journalist, Lawyer, Civil Servant, Researcher, or Teacher, and can lead to graduate schemes or further academic study.
Entry requirements
General RequirementTo be confirmed. Please check the University website for the most up-to-date information.
IELTS7.0 overall
For specific English language requirements, please refer to the University's language test profiles. Profile 1-D is generally for direct entry undergraduate study in Arts, Divinity, and Science faculties.
Fees
Tuition (international)£33,250 per year
Tuition (home)£9,790 per year (England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man - yet to be confirmed)
LivingNot specified
Tuition fees are subject to change. Scottish student fees are confirmed by the Scottish Government and are yet to be announced. A one-off digital documentation registration fee of £20 applies.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the Philosophy MA (Hons) program.
2. Register your InterestYou can register your interest on the University's website to receive updates about the course.
3. Apply via UCASSubmit your application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) using the provided UCAS code (V500).
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsProvide all required academic transcripts, certificates, and English language test results.
5. Attend Interviews (if applicable)Some applicants may be invited for an interview, though this is not explicitly stated for this program.
6. Await DecisionThe University will review your application and inform you of their decision.
7. Accept Offer and Prepare for EnrolmentIf successful, accept your offer and follow the University's guidance for enrolment, visa applications (if necessary), and pre-arrival information.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students for the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
+
The tuition fee for international students is £33,250 per year. A one-off digital documentation registration fee of £20 also applies.
What is the duration of the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
+
The Philosophy MA (Honours) program is a four-year course, starting in September 2026.
What are the English language requirements for this program?
+
For direct entry undergraduate study in the Arts faculty, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall is generally required. Please refer to the University's language test profiles for specific details.
How do I apply for the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
+
Applications for undergraduate courses are managed through UCAS. You should check entry requirements, submit your application via UCAS using the code V500, and provide all required supporting documents.
What are the academic entry requirements for the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
+
The specific academic entry requirements are to be confirmed. Prospective students should check the University website for the most up-to-date information.
What are the career prospects after graduating from the Philosophy MA (Honours) program?
+
Graduates develop skills in critical thinking and communication, which are valuable for roles such as Policy Advisor, Journalist, Lawyer, Civil Servant, Researcher, or Teacher, and can lead to graduate schemes or further academic study.