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Philosophy and Scottish Literature at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course summary

This joint programme gives you an in-depth knowledge of Philosophy and Scottish Literature. In Years 1 and 2, you will take courses that introduce you to the different aspects of each subject area, and choose options from a range of disciplines. At honours level (Years 3 and 4), you will select courses based on your interests, so you can specialise in particular topics. Combining literature with philosophy shows an openness to different ideas and perspectives which is valuable in many careers and the wider world. Philosophy Studying philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way. Philosophy:

  • introduces you to the thinking of some of the great philosophers of the past and present
  • shows the connections between different areas of human experience
  • increases awareness of assumptions that influence your beliefs
Scottish Literature From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh's resources for studying Scottish literature are exceptional. You will study in the oldest department of literature in the UK and one of the longest established in the world. Our Writers-in-Residence have included some of Scottish literature's most significant contemporary authors. To name but a few:
  • Jenni Fagan
  • Liz Lochhead
  • Sorley Maclean
  • Norman MacCaig
  • Michael Pedersen
  • Alan Warner
In Years 1 and 2, you will explore the cultural contexts of all major periods of Scottish literature, from the late Middle Ages to the present. You will explore different approaches to reading and a range of poetry, prose and drama, including international literature written in English. In Years 3 and 4, you will choose courses on Scottish Literature covering specific topics, periods or genres. 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 and literature.
  • Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:
  • philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science
  • ethics
  • epistemology
  • history of philosophy
  • As the historical home of David Hume and Adam Smith, the city of Edinburgh has long been, and remains, a fitting place to study philosophy.
  • The University too, has a strong historical connection to the subject, with Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.
  • You will learn at the heart of a UNESCO World City of Literature, home of one of the world's largest annual book festivals.


How to apply

This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.

Application codes

Course code:
VQ55
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/591-philosophy-and-scottish-literature

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/591-philosophy-and-scottish-literature


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
TOEFL (iBT)92total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English Advancedtotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Cambridge English Proficiencytotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Trinity ISEISE II with distinctions in all four components.

You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: SQA National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. We also accept other qualifications from around the world. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.

Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:

https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
66%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
84%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9535* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535* Year 1
Scotland £1820* Year 1
England £9535* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535* Year 1
Wales £9535* Year 1
EU £29600 Year 1
International £29600 Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. Please note the 2026-27 fee rate is yet to be confirmed by the Scottish Government. England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed. The fee for 2025 entry was £9,535. For 2026 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits. EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees. Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Philosophy and Scottish Literature at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS