Philosophy and Politics MA (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by big ideas and how they shape the way societies are run, this degree is designed for you. The Philosophy & Politics MA (Hons) at Edinburgh brings together two powerful ways of thinking — questioning fundamental truths about knowledge, ethics, and reality, while exploring how power, justice, and political systems work in practice. It’s a course that suits curious, analytical thinkers who want to understand the world deeply and have a voice in how it changes.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building strong foundations
Your first year is all about exploring the key ideas that underpin both philosophy and politics. You’ll dive into questions about morality, knowledge, and logic in courses like Ethics, History of Philosophy, Logic, and Philosophy of Science. Alongside this, you’ll examine how power is organised and contested globally in Politics & International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates and 1B: The Global Dimension. You’ll also have the flexibility to explore another subject area of your choice.

Year 2 – Developing depth and perspective
In the second year, you’ll go further into core areas of philosophy such as Epistemology, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, and Philosophy of Language. In politics, you’ll tackle key debates in Comparative Politics in a Globalised World and Political Thinkers, exploring how ideologies, political institutions, and governance structures evolve and function. This is the stage where your analytical and critical skills really start to sharpen.

Year 3 – Specialising and shaping your path
By the third year, you’ll start tailoring your studies to your interests. In philosophy, you might choose modules on Morality and Value, Language and Cognition, History of Philosophy, or Science and Knowledge. In politics, you can focus on areas like Global Justice and Citizenship, Human Rights, Foreign Policy, or Statistical Design. This is also when you begin planning for your honours dissertation — an opportunity to research a topic you’re passionate about.

Year 4 – Going deeper with independent research
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll complete an honours dissertation in either philosophy or politics (or even on a topic that bridges both) and choose advanced option courses that align with your interests. This is your chance to think deeply, write independently, and showcase the analytical skills you’ve built throughout your degree.

Focus areas: Ethics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, political theory, governance and institutions, normative and empirical political analysis

Learning outcomes: Graduates learn to construct rigorous philosophical arguments, critically assess political ideas and systems, design and conduct independent research, and apply ethical and analytical reasoning to real-world policy questions.

Professional alignment (accreditation): While not tied to a professional body, this degree is taught by Edinburgh’s globally respected Schools of Philosophy and Social & Political Science, giving it strong academic credibility and industry recognition.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Edinburgh is ranked among the top universities worldwide for philosophy and politics (QS World University Rankings 2025). Its history as a hub of the Scottish Enlightenment adds prestige to the degree. Graduates go on to careers in public policy, research, law, consulting, journalism, civil service, and international organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From your very first semester, you’ll do more than absorb theory — you’ll practice thinking, debating, and researching as philosophers and political analysts do. You’ll use the university’s libraries, specialised philosophy collections, digital learning tools, and flexible seminar-based teaching to test your ideas in conversation and in writing. You’ll learn how to take abstract questions and bring them into dialogue with political realities, while having support to apply your thinking in projects, independent research, and interdisciplinary settings.

Here’s how that plays out in concrete opportunities:

Coursework & seminars: Many modules are taught via small seminars, essay assignments, debates, and group projects — letting you test arguments, respond to peers, and refine your reasoning in real time.
Independent dissertation: In your final year, you’ll design and complete an honours-level dissertation in philosophy or politics (or a crossover topic), giving you hands-on experience in research design, argument construction, and archival or textual work.
Option to study abroad: Though not mandatory, you may take advantage of the university’s exchange networks to spend a term at a partner institution, comparing political systems and philosophical traditions in a global context.
Library & specialised collections: Edinburgh has extensive humanities and social science collections, philosophy archives, and rare texts that support your deep dives in theory, history of ideas, and political thought.
Digital & online tools: You’ll use digital learning platforms, online archives, and databases to access philosophical writings, academic journals, political data, and course materials.
Interdisciplinary institutes & events: You may benefit from cross-university initiatives (such as lectures, public seminars, or research events) that bring in guest speakers, contemporary debates, and interdisciplinary problem-solving (e.g. via Edinburgh’s humanities and social sciences events).

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Philosophy and Politics from Edinburgh gives you the skills employers are actively looking for — the ability to think critically, argue persuasively, analyse complex ideas, and understand how decisions are made in the real world. It’s a powerful combination that opens doors to careers where ideas, communication, and impact matter. Many of our graduates go on to become policy advisors, public affairs consultants, research analysts, or NGO officers, working in government, international organisations, think tanks, and private sector roles where strategic thinking is key.

And because the University of Edinburgh is deeply committed to supporting your career journey, you’ll have plenty of guidance and opportunities along the way:

Dedicated career support: The University’s award-winning Careers Service offers personalised guidance, CV and interview coaching, internship opportunities, and access to an extensive employer network — and you can keep using these services for up to two years after graduation.
Excellent employment outcomes: More than 95% of graduates from related programmes are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, showing the strong demand for the skills this degree develops.
Industry and alumni connections: Through networking events, guest lectures, and alumni mentoring, you’ll connect with organisations in government, NGOs, consulting, and research, giving you valuable insights and contacts for your career.
Long-term credibility: While this programme isn’t tied to a single professional accreditation, the reputation of Edinburgh’s School of Philosophy and School of Social and Political Science gives your degree weight and recognition across sectors — both in the UK and internationally.
Strong earning potential: Graduates from politics-related degrees at Edinburgh earn around £32,000 within 15 months, while those in philosophy-related fields report early career salaries of around £25,000, with many progressing quickly as they build experience.

Further Academic Progression:
This degree is also an excellent foundation for postgraduate study. Many students continue into master’s or doctoral programmes in philosophy, political theory, public policy, or international relations, either at Edinburgh or at other top universities worldwide. You could pursue specialised degrees such as an MSc in Political Theory, MSc in Philosophy, or MSc in International and European Politics, leading to careers in academia, research, policymaking, or law.