FAQs

Is there a deadline for applications?

For the Conversion Diploma, MLitt and MPhil: Yes. The application deadline is 1 August 2022, but applicants should apply as early as possible for international visa purposes.

For the PhD: No. You can apply at any time for entry—though there are only two windows for commencement of your studies: September and January. You are advised to apply as early as possible and if you wish to be considered for funding. For SGSAH/AHRC funding, apply by 30 November 2021; for other SASP funding, apply by 15 January 2022.

You should also check whether potential funding sources have their own deadlines. If you are applying for such funding, your formal application to SASP must be processed in time to meet those deadlines.

Which degree should I apply for?

If you already have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and want to continue to do a PhD in SASP or elsewhere, then you should apply for either the one-year taught MLitt or the two-year MPhil, the first year of which is taught and the second year of which is research. You can also progress from the one-year MLitt to the two-year MPhil.

If you have a Master’s degree in Philosophy which is equivalent to the SASP MLitt, you may be considered for direct entry to the PhD.

What if I don’t already have an undergraduate degree with a major in philosophy?

Students without an undergraduate degree with a major in philosophy (or the equivalent) are advised to apply for the Conversion Diploma. Students who successfully complete the Conversion Diploma may progress to the MLitt.

Can I proceed directly to the PhD?

If you have a Masters degree (in philosophy) which is equivalent to the SASP MLitt, then you may be considered for direct entry to the PhD.

Does the MLitt automatically lead to the PhD?

No. Once you have been accepted into the MLitt, admission to the PhD depends on two conditions: (1) There must be a suitable supervisor for your intended project; and (2) Satisfactory performance on the MLitt. The requirement for continuing to the SASP PhD is an average of at least 16 overall in the MLitt, on the St Andrews 20-point grading scale.

Because of the second condition, acceptance into the PhD can only be officially confirmed in September, after your dissertation has been assessed.

Is there a two-year masters degree available?

Yes. The MPhil is a two-year masters degree, the first year of which consists of the MLitt and the second year of which is a research year in which you write a dissertation.

Is there funding available for the MLitt?

Not currently, but there are scholarships to apply for. Please see full details of MLitt funding here.

Is there funding available for the PhD?

Yes. Please see full details of PhD funding here.

Is it possible to start a SASP programme in the Spring Semester (January/February)?

For the Conversion Diploma: You will typically start in September but we may consider entry in January/February in exceptional circumstances.

For the MLitt and MPhil: No. The MLitt and MPhil programmes always start in early September.

For the PhD: Yes. PhD students can begin studies in September or January/February.

Can graduate students work as tutors or teaching assistants?

PhD students are invited to take first year and second-year tutorials in both St Andrews and Stirling. The usual load is 2-6 tutorials per week for twenty weeks during the year. It is not possible to fully support yourself by teaching.

Students enrolled in the MLitt and MPhil are not allocated tutoring duties.

Are there language requirements?

The SASP degrees are taught in English. If you are a native speaker and/or if your undergraduate degree was taught in English, then you do not need to provide further evidence of competence in English. If you are not a native speaker and your undergraduate degree was not taught in English, then we require a recognised English Language test.

The University of St Andrews also offers pre-sessional English courses.

Do I need a research topic before I arrive?

It is not necessary to have a specific research proposal already worked out when you apply for the MLitt or MPhil. Topics for the MLitt dissertation are worked out during the academic year, in consultation with the course convenor and potential supervisors.

If you wish to be admitted directly to the PhD, then you do need to have a specific research proposal for your thesis as part of your application. We would also need to find someone who is willing and able to supervise your topic. You should also feel free to approach members of staff directly yourself.

Can I study part-time?

Yes.

Can I study away from St Andrews?

No.