MA History and Philosophy
About this course
MA in History and Philosophy, combining history and philosophy. Core topics include research methods, historical research, and critical & analytical thinking. Students complete a final-year undergraduate dissertation involving independent research on a chosen subject supervised by a member of staff.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 99%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 15%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 65%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Making History
- Experience, Knowledge and Reality
- Controversial Questions
- How Should One Live?
- Logic and Argument
- Environmental Ethics
- Thinking History
- History of Medicine (ME33HM)
- Architecture and Power
- Painting in Tudor and Early Stuart England
- Special Sub: Enlightenment Compared: Ireland, Scotland, Central Europe
- Special Sub.: Britain and Revolutionary Russia 1917 - 1924
- Special Sub: the Child as Subject in the British World
- Spec Sub: Court Society in Late Medieval Europe (C. 1300 – C. 1500)
- Special Sub:european Constitutional Monarchies in the Long 19thcentury
- Special Subject: History of the Israeli Palestinian Conflict
- Special Subject: Myths of the North
- History in Practice
- Undergraduate Dissertation in History
- Dissertation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA History and Philosophy at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £33,000. The £28,500 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for History.
What do graduates of MA History and Philosophy at University of Aberdeen do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA History and Philosophy at University of Aberdeen?
99% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA History and Philosophy at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 143 UCAS points.
Does MA History and Philosophy at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA History and Philosophy at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.