Philosophy and Mathematics, MA (Hons)

Philosophy has been central to Western intellectual life for over 2,500 years, shaping our understanding of the world and our interactions with it. It equips students with skills for clear, systematic analysis of profound questions, focusing on argument, critical enquiry, rigorous reasoning, and precise expression. At the University of Edinburgh, with its storied history—including alumni like Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton—the philosophy department ranks among the UK's largest. It features high-profile speakers through the Philosophy Society and offers a programme that covers foundational Western philosophy while allowing specialisation in personal interests.Mathematics courses at Edinburgh formally develop knowledge in pure mathematics and introduce university-level thinking. As students progress, they build a strong foundation in advanced mathematics through compulsory and optional courses, studied alongside philosophy. Note that courses may be subject to change.