Philosophy and Politics, MA (Hons)

Philosophy has been central to Western intellectual traditions for over 2,500 years, providing essential tools for understanding the world and engaging with it systematically. It equips students with skills in argumentation, critical inquiry, rigorous reasoning, and clear expression, including precise distinctions. At the University of Edinburgh, with its rich history—including alumni like Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton—the department is one of the UK's largest, offering a strong foundation in Western philosophy and options to explore topics from the Philosophy of Well-Being to Feminism.Politics examines the theory and practice of governance, addressing questions about how institutions create rules, the impacts of decisions, and the pursuit of a just society. Drawing on expert academics, students investigate conflicts over power and resources, as well as governance processes at various levels, the morality of actions, and concepts of freedom and justice. This joint Philosophy and Politics programme delivers in-depth knowledge in both fields, allowing specialisation in areas of personal interest.