Philosophy and Psychology, MA (Hons)

Course summary

PhilosophyPhilosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is central to our understanding of the world and our interaction with it. Philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way. While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, the study of philosophy focuses on:

• argument

• critical enquiry

• rigour in reasoning

• clarity of expression, including making important distinctions

Philosophy at EdinburghThe University has a strong historic connection to the subject, counting Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students. Edinburgh has one of the UK’s largest philosophy departments and the Philosophy Society attracts high-profile speakers. Our programme covers the basics of Western philosophy. Later in the degree, you will have a wide choice of courses from Philosophy of Well-Being to Feminism. PsychologyPsychologists study:

• how we perceive, think and learn about the world around us

• the way biological and social factors influence how we behave

• how interests and abilities differ from person to person

• how we communicate verbally and non-verbally

• how and why our mental abilities change across our lives

Psychology is an experimental and observational science. It uses evidence from research studies to develop and evaluate theories. Our psychology courses focus on developing skills in research methods and statistical analysis, to support our research-led teaching. Studying Philosophy and PsychologyThis joint programme gives you in-depth knowledge in both subject areas, and the opportunity to specialise in the topics that interest you most.

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