Why study this course?
The MLitt in Philosophy is a one-year taught postgraduate programme run by the St Andrews and Stirling Graduate Programme in Philosophy (SASP), taught by staff from both the University of St Andrews and the University of Stirling.
Highlights
- The St Andrews and Stirling Graduate Programme was ranked the third best Philosophy programme in the UK in the latest Philosophical Gourmet Report.
- Supervisors at both St Andrews and Stirling are available to oversee the MLitt dissertation.
- You can choose any of the optional modules offered by the Department, allowing you to explore any combination of philosophical topics.
Part-time study
The Philosophy MLitt can also be taken as a part-time programme. Students will be expected to take three modules per year over two years, followed by an 8,000 to 10,000-word dissertation.
For more information about part-time study, please contact the postgraduate administrators by emailing pgpafs@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, seminars and reading groups.
Class sizes
Groups range from 4 to 15 students.
Dissertation
A 8,000 to 10,000-word project with regular support.
Support
Students have access to the full range of student support available at the University.
Modules
Those on the MLitt in Philosophy may sign up for any of the postgraduate taught modules offered by the philosophy departments at the universities of St Andrews and Stirling, building a timetable which best suits individual interests.
The course offers flexibility for those students who are not yet sure of their research interests, or who wish to gain a broader understanding of issues and debates across the discipline. This flexibility allows students to combine the modules which are of most interest: combining logic and ethics for example, or metaphysics and political philosophy.
Students must take one compulsory module over the course of the programme (in Semester 1) and have the opportunity to choose four modules from all of the postgraduate Philosophy modules across the Department.
There is also an optional weekly seminar, Basic Logic, held throughout Semester 1 for students who wish to brush up on their knowledge of logic.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Recent graduates in Philosophy have found openings in:
- local government
- television production (Sky Sports)
- the National Health Service
- the Co-operative Bank
- insurance
- the Crown Prosecution Service
- publishing
- teaching English in Japan
Career training and advice for progressing onto research degrees is provided through both the participating universities.
Further study
If you have successfully completed the MLitt in Philosophy, you may be able to proceed onto the SASP MPhil. This involves a 40,000-word dissertation, which is examined by an internal and external examiner at the end of the second year.
Students enrolled for the MLitt or MPhil are eligible to apply for a Philosophy PhD programme.
Why St Andrews?
The MLitt is enhanced by a busy programme of conferences, workshops and visiting speakers from universities in the UK and abroad. This includes:
- St Andrews Philosophy Club – meetings for visiting speakers
- Department of Philosophy at Stirling – meetings for visiting speakers
- the student Philosophy Society (PhilSoc) – programme of talks and events
- St Andrews research student weekly seminar
- annual reading party for postgraduate students
- There are discussion groups and seminars at the three St Andrews research centres associated with Philosophy:
There is also a wide range of student-led reading groups and informal seminars.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“I have been able to choose my essays and write about a wide range of philosophical subjects that specifically piqued my interest. I have learnt that provided I work hard, refer to others when help is needed and have good friends to surround me, I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.”
- London, England
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours degree in or including philosophy. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in philosophy, you may be interested in the Conversion in Philosophy.
- If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV
- personal statement (optional)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words maximum)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
St Andrews and Stirling are both committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
You are also eligible to apply for funding opportunities available via the University of Stirling.
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 17 March 2025
