As the historical home of David Hume and Adam Smith, the city of Edinburgh is a fitting place to study philosophy. The University too, has a strong historical connection to the subject, counting Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.
Studying philosophy enables you to think about some of the great philosophical questions, which we ask ourselves, in a clear, disciplined and systematic manner. It introduces you to the thinking of some of the great philosophers of the past and present, and enables you to see connections between diverse areas of human experience. It also makes you more aware of the assumptions that form the basis of your beliefs. |
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
The typical offer is likely to be:
• SQA Highers: AAAA.
• A Levels: AAB.
• IB: 39 points (grades 766 at HL).
Minimum entry requirements
• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6. National 5: English at Grade C and Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C.
• A Levels: ABB. GCSEs: English at Grade C and Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects. SL: English at 4 and Mathematics or an approved science at 4.
If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme. |
| Additional Admission Requirements: | You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.
If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:
• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced & Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section *Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components
SQA and GCSE
For SQA and GCSE students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:
• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 4 |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.