Philosophy

Entry requirements

Applicants for the MLitt should normally have a good first degree in philosophy, such as a UK upper Second Class Honours degree or its equivalent (or the equivalent level of pass in the SASP Conversion Diploma).

Applicants with other qualifications may be admitted on the recommendation of the Programme Director.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This Masters course is part of the St Andrews and Stirling Philosophy (SASP) Graduate Programme - which is Scotland's leading centre for graduate study in Philosophy, and one of the highest-ranked and largest philosophy schools in the United Kingdom. It also has an outstanding placement record for its graduates.

The course is primarily designed for recent philosophy graduates, and serves as a preparatory year for entry to postgraduate research by giving you a firm foundation of general understanding and skills in philosophy. Those skills will give you a sound basis for philosophical research.

The MLitt is a one-year taught course delivered mainly in St Andrews by staff from both universities. After gaining the MLitt, you may progress to a PhD at either Stirling or at St Andrews. Previous graduates have also gone on to leading institutions in the UK and abroad.

On this course, you’ll benefit from excellent teaching from authoritative and knowledgeable researchers in a wide range of areas, including the history of philosophy.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Indicator 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 185 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 185 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 overall with a minimum of 60 in each sub-skill
• IBT TOEFL 94 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 94 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
• Trinity ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR C1 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each sub-skill
• LanguageCert International ESOL C1 Expert - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill

If you are from India, Bangladesh, Ghana or Nigeria please also check your country/region specific page for any additional, or changes to, English language requirements.

For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.