Course summary
The MLitt in Philosophy and Society is an interdisciplinary programme that enables students to explore the connections between philosophical thinking and real-world social problems and questions. The MLitt in Philosophy and Society is the only Masters’ degree in the UK that focuses on practising and applying philosophy outside the university. As well as deepening your philosophical knowledge, you will learn to engage non-academic audiences and make an impact with philosophy through unique courses and placements – whatever your area of interest or intended career. The MLitt in Philosophy and Society develops students' core philosophical skills of conceptual analysis, textual interpretation, argumentation, research, and writing, while giving them skills and opportunities to use and communicate philosophy publicly and impactfully. Each student will forge connections between philosophy and another area, such as science, politics, education, technology, or the arts, and will build links with other disciplines, organisations, and businesses with a view to their future research and career.
Modules
In this degree you will take courses in philosophy and other disciplines, alongside courses that build your skills and experience in public engagement and the social impact of philosophy.
Assessment method
Essays, presentations, public-oriented pieces, course conference, impact statement, dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Candidates must normally have an Honours degree to at least 2.1 standard in an appropriate discipline or equivalent qualifications (normally a 3.0 GPA in North America).
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £11980 | Whole course |
| International | £11980 | Whole course |
| England | £11980 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £11980 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £11980 | Whole course |
| Wales | £11980 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £11980 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £11980 | Whole course |
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
The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2024/25 academic year. We have confirmed that our fees will rise by 5% for the 2025/26 academic year. Our indicative costs include a 5% fee rise each year.
This is a pay-as-you-go degree. You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront. You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term. You decide how many credits to study for each term. At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term. This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your degree.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX