Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of argument and its application to a wide variety of questions of fundamental importance to human life and intellectual activity.

Why Aberdeen?

Philosophers attempt to answer questions such as: What is knowledge? What is the nature of truth? Could the existence of God be proved? Why should we act morally?

Philosophy is as much the study of what constitutes a ‘good’ or ‘valid’ argument as it is the application of thought to specific problems.

• Two key features make Philosophy at Aberdeen especially attractive: the breadth of the courses on offer, and the user-friendly character of course materials and the staff who deliver them
• New students can choose from a varied menu including Moral Philosophy, Knowledge and Mind and Reason and Argument
• The History of Philosophy also constitutes a key component of the undergraduate curriculum

Programmes

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Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available at levels 1 to 4. There are various Honours degrees and a Designated degree in Philosophy.

First Year

Level 1 courses are An Introduction to Moral Philosophy; Knowledge and Mind; Reason and Argument.

Second Year

The Philosophy curriculum at level 2 is devoted to more advanced courses in Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, and The History of Philosophy.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

Single Honours Mental Philosophy involves independent study at level 3 and a (compulsory) dissertation at level 4. There is a wide range of options at both level 3 and 4. Options offered reflect the interests of members of staff and have recently included Political and Social Philosophy, Scientific Methodology, Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Humour, Modal Logic, The Ontology of Existence, Philosophy of Physics, Continental Rationalism, Kant, Identity and Persistence, Information and Philosophy, Philosophy of Biology, Kripke's Naming and Necessity, Death, Philosophy of Time, Scepticism, Metaphilosophy, Feminist Philosophy, Wittgenstein and Philosophy of Religion, Leibniz, and Berkeley.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching in philosophy comes in three principal forms: lectures, tutorials and seminars. In tutorials students are part of a relatively small group of perhaps 10 or 15 which meets for focussed discussion of particular philosophical topics. At level 4 (Senior Honours), classes take the form of seminars which may be student rather than staff-led. Assessment within the Department is usually conducted through class essays and a degree examination at the end of each half-session.

Careers

While the subject matter of philosophy is challenging in distinctive ways, the study of philosophy produces articulate individuals who are able to think critically and to argue persuasively. Thus what one learns in a philosophy course is of value to the student of any academic subject. Moreover, these skills are also highly prized in the business community and beyond. Hence Philosophy graduates gain entry to a wide variety of career paths.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Philosophy.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide