Philosophy

Information for applicants to our Philosophy degree programmes.

Philosophy has been taught at the University of Edinburgh since its foundation in 1583 and offers stimulating and flexible learning experience. Once the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment, now we are leading the discussion on a range of contemporary and diverse topics from the philosophy of racism and feminism to time travel. 

Degree programmes and structures

Need a refresher on the details of the degree programme you've applied for? Our Degree Finder provides more information about your programme, such as:

  • what you will study
  • where you will study
  • career opportunities
  • fees, costs and funding 

Philosophy degree programmes: 2025 entry

 

A Degree Programme Table (DPT) provides comprehensive information about the structure of a degree programme, including both compulsory and optional courses. The detailed programme content for 2025/26 is available below. 

 

Philosophy degree structures 2025/26

An example timetable for Semester 1, Year 1. This student has chosen Linguistics and Psychology as their course options. Contact hours can differ depending on the subject. Outside class time, you will be expected to complete relevant reading, writing and revision for each course. 

Monday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm Psychology Lab
  • 3:10pm to 4pm Linguistics and English Language 1 (Lecture)

Tuesday

  • 10am to 10:50am Linguistics and English Language 1 (Lecture)
  • 11:10am to 12pm Psychology (Tutorial)
  • 1:10pm to 3pm Psychology Lab

Wednesday

  • 10am to 10:50am Morality and Value (Lecture)
  • 11:10am to 12pm Morality and Value (Tutorial)
  • 12:10pm to 3pm Psychology (Lecture)

Thursday

  • 10am to 10:50am Linguistics and English Language 1 (Lecture)

Friday

  • 10am to 10:50am Morality and Value (Lecture)
  • 11:10am to 12pm Psychology (Tutorial)
  • 12:10pm to 1pm Linguistics and English Language 1 (Tutorial)

Why study Philosophy at Edinburgh?

  • We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 22nd in the world for Philosophy in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
  • Philosophy is rated 4th in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
  • Edinburgh is a distinguished place in the history of philosophy, having been home to David Hume and Adam Smith.
  • Diverse range of topics; our large and diverse department offers courses in a broad range of topics such as epistemology, aesthetics, and science.
  • Innovative teaching methods; we offer an interactive and collaborative learning environment. Philosophy lecturer, Brian Raeburn, won the Outstanding Innovation in Digital Teaching Award in the EUSA Teaching Awards 2021 for creating entertaining lecture videos using animation, playlists and more.
  • Leading research; our large philosophy department is home to academics leading research across a diverse range of topics, such as Professor Tommy Curry whose paper was listed by Oxford University Press as one of the ‘Best in Philosophy’ in 2021. 

What do our students think?

‘If you are harbouring any doubts about taking philosophy, dispel them immediately and apply. Contrary to popular belief, it is one of the most useful degrees you can come away with. In this day and age, being different will give you the edge. It will give you the confidence to approach unknown situations as you can apply your philosophy skillset to nearly everything you do. It’s a genuinely interesting course; it’s not a means to an end, but something you can become unconditionally passionate about’. 

Iona Fielding, MA Philosophy Graduate  

Have you applied for a joint honours degree? Don't forget to look at the information for each of your subjects. 

Not sure which School looks after the other subject of your degree? Check our School list for information on the subjects they manage. 

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences: Schools and subjects 


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