The University of Edinburgh
German and Philosophy MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 30 graduates of German and Philosophy MA (Hons) and other courses in German and Scandinavian Studies at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in German and Scandinavian Studies.

Overall student satisfaction
84 /100
30 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Languages and Area Studies

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of German and Scandinavian Studies at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26000 £26000 £31000
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £30000 £19500 - £31500 £25000 - £43500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Languages and Area Studies

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25106 £23894 £29059
25-75 percentile range £21191 - £30014 £18247 - £31102 £21534 - £39195

Course Description

German thought has had a profound impact on philosophy, culture and science. From Arendt to Hegel, Leibnitz to Wittgenstein, many of the most influential European thinkers have come from the German-speaking world.

German

Across all four years of our programme, including a year abroad in Year 3, your studies will give you the chance to gain professional skills in all aspects of German, including:

  • reading and listening
  • writing and translating
  • speaking and presenting

As well as language learning, you will also explore German-language literature, film and theatre. You will study these in the context of historical and political developments, from the eighteenth century to contemporary times.

On joining us, beginners take our German 1A course; students with more experience of learning the language typically take German 1B.

By your final year, you will have developed the linguistic, critical and analytical skills to the standard of completing a dissertation or long essay.

Philosophy

We have a strong, historic connection with Philosophy at Edinburgh. We count Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among our former students.

By studying Philosophy, you will learn about the use of:

  • argument
  • critical enquiry
  • reasoning
  • clarity of expression

You will cover the basics of Western philosophy, and explore the different approaches that philosophers have taken. You will also have the opportunity to specialise in the areas that interest you most.

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading historic, festival and capital city, Edinburgh is the ideal place to study a modern language in its cultural context.

Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583 and German has been taught here since 1894, making it one of the first European languages to be offered at Edinburgh.

Studying over four years enables you to choose courses, including from other disciplines, that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs. When you graduate, you will have the combination of language and humanities skills, and the international perspective, valued by employers worldwide.

We are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of German and Philosophy MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

25% Engineering professionals
15% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Skilled trades occupations
5% Information Technology Professionals
5% Protective service occupations
5% Engineering professionals
5% Information Technology Professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for German and Scandinavian Studies

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component.

TOEFL (iBT) 92

Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

Cambridge English Advanced

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Cambridge English Proficiency

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Trinity ISE

ISE II with distinctions in all four components

PTE Academic 62

Total 62 with at least 54 in each component

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study German and Philosophy, MA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees German and Philosophy MA (Hons)

Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
EU £26500 year 1
International £26500 year 1

Additional fee information

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.

EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.

Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of The University of Edinburgh in related subject specific rankings.

Languages & Literature

    • #2 
    • #7 
    German
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #9 
    German
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]

See all 40 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
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