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Subject area: Philosophy

Why choose Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh?

  • 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.

  • We are ranked in the UK's top 10 universities and in the world's top 20 universities for philosophy in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

  • You will have a choice of more than 40 option courses in Years 3 and 4 in all the main branches of philosophy.

  • Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:

    • philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science
    • ethics
    • epistemology
    • history of philosophy
Study abroad

I chose to study Philosophy at Edinburgh because of the scope of course options that are offered, even at an undergraduate level. At the point of applying, I had no idea what area of philosophy I wanted to study so the flexibility of the courses offered by Edinburgh was extremely appealing – even by the end of my first year I had taken courses in morality, applied ethics, ancient philosophy and logic.

India Sachdev MA Philosophy and Psychology student, Class of 2025
India Sachdev MA Philosophy and Psychology student, Class of 2025

Introducing Philosophy

As the historical home of Adam Smith, the city of Edinburgh has long been, and remains, a fitting place to study philosophy.

The University has a strong historical connection to the subject, counting Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.

Studying philosophy:

  • helps you think about the great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way
  • 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

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