Philosophy and Mathematics MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Philosophy

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

VG51

Award

MA (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Multiple campuses

Start date

September 2026

School

School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Available

Placement

No

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Philosophy

Philosophy 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

Find out what we study in Philosophy at Edinburgh in this video.

Mathematics

Mathematics courses will help you develop your knowledge of pure mathematics in a formal way. They will also introduce you to ways of mathematical thinking required at university level. 

As you progress through the programme, you will build a foundation in advanced mathematics, studying compulsory and option mathematics courses alongside philosophy.

Courses may be subject to change.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years.

A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.

This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.

How long it takes to complete our degree programmes

How a joint degree programme works

A joint programme allows you to gain a well-rounded learning experience. You will have more exposure to different disciplines, allowing you to expand your knowledge and expertise.

Teaching on joint programmes is split across the two subject areas, and teaching will take place in locations associated with both subjects.

You will gain a different perspective through studying more than one subject and have a wider skill set that is highly attractive to future employers.

Programme rankings

  • 5th in the UK for mathematics and statistics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 by Subject).
  • 5th in the UK for mathematics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
  • In the UK's top 5 universities and 22nd in the world for philosophy in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Programme benefits

  • Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583. Edinburgh was the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment and has a distinguished place in the history of philosophy.
  • You will have a choice of more than 40 option courses in Years 3 and 4 in all the main branches of philosophy.
  • Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:
    • philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science
    • ethics
    • epistemology
    • history of philosophy
  • The University has a strong historic connection to the subject, with 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 and offers you the opportunity to specialise in your areas of interest.
  • The School of Mathematics has expertise in a variety of research areas, allowing you to tailor your degree to your area of mathematical interest.
  • Employability skills are embedded in the mathematics curriculum and we will support you in reaching your career goals during and after your studies.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Philosophy and Mathematics

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Philosophy and Mathematics.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

You should expect to buy textbooks for some compulsory and option courses.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Philosophy

In Years 1 and 2, you will take courses that introduce you to the main areas of philosophy. This will include courses in the following areas:

  • epistemology
  • ethics
  • history of philosophy
  • logic
  • metaphysics
  • philosophy of language
  • philosophy of mind
  • philosophy of science
Mathematics

In Year 1 you will also take compulsory mathematics courses, such as:

  • Introduction to Mathematics at University
  • Introduction to Mathematical Analysis
  • Linear Algebra 1

These courses are designed build on your knowledge of mathematics from school, introducing you to more advanced ways of mathematical thinking required at university level.

They cover a wide range of mathematics, including some applications of mathematics, so you can make informed choices at honours level.

Option courses

You can also choose to take one of the following courses: 

  • Courses in the main areas of philosophy.
  • Introduction to Data Science - where you will learn to collect and explore data, before using models and predictions to make rigorous conclusions.
  • Fundamentals of Algebra and Calculus - an online, introductory course that provides extra preparation in key topics from advanced high school level mathematics and further supports your transition to university.
Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Philosophy

You will continue to take courses in some or all of the main areas of philosophy listed under the Year 1 section.

Mathematics

In Year 2, you will take compulsory courses that will extend your knowledge of analysis and calculus and generalise what you have seen in linear algebra.

  • Linear Algebra 2
  • Further Analysis and Several Variable Calculus
Option courses

You can also choose to take other philosophy or mathematics courses, or other courses related to the field.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In Year 3, you will start to specialise. You will choose from a range of courses linked to our areas of expertise. 

Philosophy

In philosophy, courses include topics related to the major areas of the subject.

Mathematics 

You will study some compulsory mathematics honours courses, and can start to specialise in your degree. 

Honours courses have previously included:

  • Honours Algebra
  • Honours Analysis
  • Honours Complex Variables
  • Honours Differential Equations

Our honours mathematics courses provide a foundation in advanced mathematics, and will prepare you for the options available later in your programme. 

Each of these honours courses has a skills component to help you develop employability skills such as: 

  • programming
  • group work
  • presentation skills

Past optional mathematics courses included: 

  • Financial Mathematics
  • Introduction to Number Theory
  • Statistical Computing
Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will choose another four to six courses from a wide variety available. 

You will also complete either a project in mathematics or a dissertation in philosophy. 

Philosophy

In philosophy, the dissertation can be taken as either of the following:

  • an independent dissertation on a philosophy topic of your choice
  • a coursework dissertation through two extended essays in philosophy
Mathematics

You will be able to follow a programme that suits your interests and career aspirations. 

Our mathematics course selection is influenced by our varied research interests in the School. As a result, we offer a large selection of courses in: 

  • pure mathematics
  • applied mathematics
  • statistics
  • operational research
  • financial mathematics
  • mathematical biology
  • mathematical education

Option courses currently offered include: 

  • General Topology
  • Numerical Ordinary Differential Equations and Applications
  • Stochastic Modelling
  • Mathematical Education
  • Entrepreneurship in the Mathematical Sciences
Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad in Year 3 through international exchange programmes. 

What are my options for going abroad?

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Philosophy

In Years 1 and 2, philosophy courses are taught through lectures and tutorials.

In Years 3 and 4, philosophy courses are taught through seminars and tutorials.

Mathematics

Mathematics courses are mostly taught through lectures and workshops.

Lectures

In Year 1, lectures are usually interactive; lecturers use online voting systems and encourage small-group discussions to improve your understanding of core material. These lectures are linked to your subject reading, so you will be familiar with the content before you attend.

Lectures in later years follow a more 'traditional' lecturing style but occasionally include the voting system or other innovative teaching methods.

Workshops

Lectures are supported by small-group workshops. These sessions give you the opportunity to apply the concepts you have learned in lectures and to develop your understanding. You will work with five to six other students, with a tutor on hand to support you and answer questions.

Assessment

Philosophy assessments

You will be assessed through coursework and exams. 

In Year 4, you will also complete either of the following:

  • an independent dissertation on a topic of your choice
  • a coursework dissertation through two extended essays
Mathematics assessments

Mathematics courses are mostly assessed through exams.

In Years 1 and 2, these exams are mostly 'open book' exams, where you can use your textbook and notes.

This lets you concentrate on understanding and using the ideas and concepts involved, instead of memorising processes.

In later years, there is a mix of open and closed book exams, depending on the course.

Most mathematics courses have assessments during the year, both written and online, so you can get feedback on your progress. These usually count for a small part of your course grade.

Later in the degree, there are some courses available which are entirely assessed by coursework, usually through:

  • reports
  • posters
  • projects
  • presentations

Support for your studies

As well as support from the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, you will also have access to the following in the School of Mathematics:

  • drop-in Year 1 mathematics support
  • option to take part in our peer-assisted learning scheme, MathPALS
  • Mathematics Student Services team
  • Student Development team

Our academic staff

The School of Mathematics has expertise in a variety of research areas, allowing you to tailor your degree to your area of mathematical interest. To find out more about our research and its applications, take a look at our Researchers on Record video series.

Researchers on Record

Where you will study

Study location

As these two degree subjects are based on different campuses, it is likely you will need to travel between campuses for classes.

Philosophy

Most philosophy teaching takes place at the University's Central Area.

Mathematics

Your mathematics teaching will take place at the King's Buildings campus. The School of Mathematics is based in the James Clerk Maxwell Building.

Academic facilities

Undergraduate students in the School of Mathematics have access to dedicated study spaces, MathsBase and MathsHub.

MathsBase is a drop-in study space staffed by tutors on weekdays during the semester. MathsHub is a suite of rooms in the James Clerk Maxwell Building for the sole use of undergraduate mathematicians as a study space.

Career paths

Studying a joint honours programme allows you to develop a wider range of transferable skills, and opens up more varied employment opportunities. 

Philosophy

The philosophy courses you study throughout your programme will give you the analytical and critical-thinking skills that are valued by employers.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in: 

  • education
  • commerce
  • journalism
  • finance
  • law
  • computing

Some graduates also choose to continue with their studies through research or an academic career. 

Mathematics 

Through mathematics, you will develop valuable skills in:

  • logic
  • analysis
  • programming
  • data analysis
  • presentation
  • practical problem-solving

Many recent mathematics graduates have been employed by large firms in the financial sector. Others have gone into fields including: 

  • finance
    • accountancy
    • actuarial
    • banking
    • insurance
    • risk
    • tax
  • data science and statistics
  • IT (e.g. software engineering and programming)
  • operational research
  • education

We regularly invite alumni back to share their experiences and showcase the range of careers available to you. 

Opportunities to develop skills at the University

There are many opportunities within the University for you to develop your skills and improve your CV. You can: 

  • become a Student Ambassador to inspire prospective students
  • work with the wider community as a member of the Mathematics Outreach Team
  • apply for a project scholarship to work with a university lecturer during the summer

Employability support

The Student Development Team provides opportunities to develop your skills and build networks. It works in partnership with:

  • the Careers Service
  • academics
  • alumni
  • the business community

You will have access to:

  • applications support (for example, CV writing, interview preparation, how to network)
  • specific career advice (for example, Insights into Actuarial careers, how to apply for PhDs)
  • interactions with recruiting organisations & alumni (for example, an annual Careers Showcase and presentations with employers)

Careers Service

In Mathematics, our Student Development team and University Careers Service provide:

  • presentations from industry employers
  • alumni career showcases
  • regular workshops to help you prepare for applying to internships, jobs and further study

The University Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

Many of our graduates also go on to further study.

You can progress from this programme into masters or PhD level study in philosophy or mathematics, or apply your mathematical training to postgraduate study in another subject.

Graduate profiles

Read stories on our blog from recent graduates who have shared their memories from studying Mathematics at Edinburgh and how it shaped their careers so far.

Mathematics graduate profiles

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

Hear from some of our current undergraduate students about their experience studying Mathematics.

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

MathSoc is the University’s Mathematics Society. It is the society to join if you are looking for an enjoyable mix of both academic and social events. MathSoc holds events throughout the year including quizzes, bitesize lectures and collaborative events with the School of Mathematics.

Learn more about MathSoc

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

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