MA Philosophy
About this course
MA (Honours) in Philosophy, a philosophy degree centered on historical and contemporary philosophical traditions, argument analysis, and fundamental questions regarding existence and society. The first year introduces foundational issues and methods through Philosophy 1: Topics in Mind, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Language, and Philosophy of Science alongside Philosophy 2: Topics in Ethics, Political Philosophy, Metaethics, and Aesthetics. The second year expands upon these concepts with compulsory study in Foundations of Western Philosophy, Intermediate Logic, Meaning and Knowing, and Moral and Aesthetic Value. Subsequent study allows students to pursue advanced topics such as Advanced Logic, Advanced Metaethics, Classical Philosophy, and Continental European Philosophy from Descartes to Leibniz.
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: AAB IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5)
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What students say
Based on about 31 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 99%
- Organisation and management: 98%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Caring personal services: 15%
- Therapy professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- London: 25%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 40%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 75%
- Baccalaureate: 20%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Modules
- 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
- Philosophy 1: Topics in Mind, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Language, and Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy 2: Topics in Ethics, Political Philosophy, Metaethics, and Aesthetics
- Foundations of Western Philosophy
- Intermediate Logic
- Meaning and Knowing
- Moral and Aesthetic Value
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Philosophy at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £40,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Psychology.
What do graduates of MA Philosophy at University of St Andrews do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Philosophy at University of St Andrews?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Philosophy at University of St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 201 UCAS points.
Is MA Philosophy at University of St Andrews accredited?
Yes. Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Does MA Philosophy at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Philosophy at University of St Andrews?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.