MA Philosophy and Mathematics

Year 1

You will study Morality and Value; and Logic 1. These courses introduce you to key topics in morality and ethics, and the nature of argument.

You will also take Introduction to Linear Algebra; and Calculus and its Applications. These will cover fundamental tools in mathematics and its application.

You can also choose to take Proofs and Problem Solving; Greats: From Plato to the Enlightenment; or Philosophy of Science 1.

Year 2

You will take two courses in philosophy: Mind, Matter and Language; and Knowledge and Reality.

You will also take Several Variable Calculus and Differential Equations; and Fundamentals of Pure Mathematics. You can also choose to take other philosophy or mathematics courses, or further courses related to the field.

Year 3

You will start to specialise. You will choose courses from a range linked to our areas of expertise. In philosophy, these include topics linked to the major areas of the subject.

In mathematics, these include Algebra; Analysis; Complex Variables; and Differential Equations. .

Year 4

You will choose another four to six courses from a wide variety available. You will also complete either an independent dissertation or a coursework dissertation via two extended essays on mathematics or philosophy topics of your choice.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Our facilities

The majority of teaching takes place at facilities located within the University's Central Area. You can use all the University libraries and computing facilities.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad in Year 3 through the Erasmus programme or the University's international exchange programme.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

How will I learn?

Courses are taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by coursework and exams and in your honours years you will also complete an independent dissertation, or a coursework dissertation via two extended essays.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2018/19)

The philosophy courses you study throughout your programme provide you with the analytical and critical-thinking skills that are highly valued in the workplace.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in education, commerce, journalism, finance, law and computing.

Some graduates also choose to continue with their studies and pursue a research or academic career.

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: AAAAA - AABB.
• A Levels: AAA - AAB. (Revised 29/08/18 to provide more accurate information).
• IB: 43 points (grades 776 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: AABB.
• A Levels: AAB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S5 or AABBBB/AAAB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6. Higher Mathematics at Grade A or Advanced Higher Mathematics at Grade B required. Sixth-year work in Mathematics is recommended. National 5 English at Grade C.
• A Levels: AAB including Mathematics at Grade A. GCSEs: English at Grade C or 4.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects including Mathematics at 6. SL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MA Philosophy and Mathematics

Additional costs

None.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
• Email: CAHSS.UGAdmissions@ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565
• Web: Philosophy website
• International enquiries