Philosophy and English Language [Closed to new applicants]

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Philosophy

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

VQM3

Award

[Closed to new applicants]

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Central Area

Start date

September 2026

School

School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Available

Placement

No

Open days and events

Programme closed to new applicants for 2026 entry

This programme is not accepting applications for 2026 entry.

Browse our other programmes

About the degree programme

Philosophy

Philosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is central to our understanding of the world and our interaction with it. 

Philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way.

While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, the study of philosophy focuses on:

  • argument
  • critical enquiry
  • rigour in reasoning
  • clarity of expression, including making important distinctions

Find out what we study in Philosophy in this video.

English Language

Using techniques from modern linguistics, you will analyse the structure of written and spoken English and explore how the language has changed in the course of its history.

As well as the study of change in English, we have a strong tradition of investigating variations of the language, including:

  • Scots
  • distinct dialects of English
  • international variations

You will study modern-day English and Scots and identify the similarities and differences between English and other languages.

Find out what we study in English Language in this video.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years.

A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.

This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.

How long it takes to complete our degree programmes

How a joint degree programme works

This joint programme provides in-depth knowledge in both subject areas, and the opportunity to specialise in the topics that interest you most.

Programme rankings

  • In the UK's top 5 universities and 22nd in the world for philosophy in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Programme benefits

  • 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.
  • You will have a choice of more than 40 option courses in Years 3 and 4 in all the main branches of philosophy.
  • Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:
    • philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science
    • ethics
    • epistemology
    • history of philosophy
  • The University has a strong historic connection to the subject, with Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.
  • Edinburgh has one of the UK’s largest philosophy departments and the Philosophy Society attracts high-profile speakers.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Philosophy and English Language

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Philosophy and English Language.

Tuition fees for this programme

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend £1,023 to £2,043 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Philosophy

In Years 1 and 2, you will take courses that introduce you to the main areas of philosophy. Year 1 courses will include topics in the areas of:

  • Ethics
  • History of Philosophy (Western and non-Western traditions)
  • Logic
  • Philosophy of Science
English Language

You will also study Linguistics and English Language 1, which introduces the study of language:

  • structure
  • variation
  • change
  • history
Option courses

You will complete your Year 1 studies with an option course chosen from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

Philosophy

You will take courses in areas such as:

  • Epistemology
  • Metaphysics
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Mind
English Language

You will also take:

  • Linguistic Theory and the Structure of English
  • English in Time and Space
Option courses

You can also choose to take courses in other subjects related to philosophy or English language.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

You will take the Philosophy Dissertation Information Course. You will also choose courses from a range linked to our areas of expertise. 

English Language

In English language, these courses may include: 

  • Global Englishes
  • Historical Linguistics
  • Pragmatics
  • Simulating Language
Philosophy

In philosophy, option courses will include topics, such as:

  • language, cognition and science
  • morality and value
  • knowledge and reality
  • history of philosophy
Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 3 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

You will choose four to six courses from a wide variety available. 

You will also complete either of the following:

  • an independent dissertation on a philosophy or language sciences topic of your choice
  • a coursework dissertation through two extended essays in philosophy
Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad in Year 3 through international exchange programmes.

Depending on availability, you would take courses in philosophy at your host institution.

If this is not possible, you would take an online course that covers major themes in philosophical methodology. This course will help you critically analyse and explore literature by key philosophers and present your arguments in essays and short assignments.

What are my options for going abroad?

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Courses are taught through a mix of:
•    lectures
•    seminars
•    tutorials

In Year 1 and 2, philosophy courses are taught through lectures and tutorials.

In Year 3 and 4, philosophy courses are taught through seminars and tutorials.

Assessment

You will be assessed through coursework and exams.

In Year 4, you will also complete either:
•    an independent dissertation on a topic of your choice
•    a coursework dissertation through two extended essays

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

Support for your studies

Where you will study

Study location

Most teaching takes place at the University's Central Area.

Academic facilities

You can use all the University's libraries and computing facilities.

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the University’s Central Area and explore our facilities on the Virtual Visit site. 

Take a virtual tour of the Central Area

Career paths

The philosophy and English language courses you study during your programme will give you the analytical and critical-thinking skills that are highly valued by employers.

Past graduates have gone on to work in: 

  • education
  • commerce
  • journalism
  • finance
  • law
  • computing

Some graduates also choose to continue with their studies through research or an academic career.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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

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Philosophy and English Language at University of Edinburgh

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Philosophy and English Language at University of Edinburgh

To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.

Make an informed choice.

See course info

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  • Revised 2 June 2026: Programme closed to new applicants for 2026 entry