Philosophy and Linguistics MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts
Course Description
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 of our place in and interaction with it.
Philosophy provides the tools by which the presuppositions of all areas of intellectual and practical activity may be systematically and critically examined.
While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, characteristic of philosophy is the emphasis on the use of:
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argument
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critical enquiry
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rigour in reasoning
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clarity of expression, including the making of pertinent distinctions
Philosophy at Edinburgh
The 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.
Linguistics
Linguistics examines how language works, describing how sounds, words, sentences and conversations combine to express and create meaning.
It studies:
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the uses of language in everyday life
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the ways in which it varies across society and evolves over time
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how it is mastered by children
Studying Philosophy and Linguistics together
This joint programme enables you to gain an in-depth knowledge in both subject areas, and the opportunity to specialise in the topics that interest you most.
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews for 42 graduates of Philosophy and Linguistics MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Linguistics.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All Linguistics courses of The University of Edinburgh
Salary
Salary of Graduates of Philosophy and Linguistics MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Philosophy and Linguistics MA (Hons) 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 | £25000 | £23000 | £26000 |
25-75 percentile range | £20000 - £29500 | £19500 - £27500 | £21500 - £32000 |
All Linguistics courses of The University of Edinburgh
Salary of all UK Graduates of Linguistics
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £23023 | £23272 | £28345 |
25-75 percentile range | £19112 - £27451 | £17770 - £29783 | £21215 - £37449 |
All Linguistics courses of UK
What You Will Learn
Programme content: As a student of Philosophy and Linguistics, MA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
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.
All Linguistics courses of The University of Edinburgh
Current jobs
Job in line with future plans
Utilise skills from studies
Work is meaningful
Required skill level of job after 15 months
% Skilled jobs
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Philosophy and Linguistics MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh
15% | Artistic, literary and media occupations |
10% | Teaching Professionals |
10% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
10% | Information Technology Professionals |
10% | Finance Professionals |
5% | Managers, directors and senior officials |
5% | Natural and social science professionals |
5% | Legal professionals |
5% | Media Professionals |
5% | Welfare and housing associate professionals |
Grading & Study Time
Assessment Methods
Study Time Distribution
Entry Requirements / Admissions
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
All Linguistics courses of The University of Edinburgh
Qualification requirements
Required subjects: A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
Achievement by end of S5 preferred. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
36 points with 665 HL - 34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.
Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
English language requirements
test | Grade | Additional Details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each component. |
TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | 92 or above with 20 in each section (including Special Home Edition). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with 162 in each component. | |
Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with 162 in each component. | |
Trinity ISE | ISE II with a distinction in all four components. |
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Philosophy and Linguistics, MA (Hons).
Costs
Tuition Fees Philosophy and Linguistics MA (Hons)
England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
---|---|---|
Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | year 1 |
Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Scotland | £1820 | year 1 |
EU | £23100 | year 1 |
International | £23100 | year 1 |
Additional fee information
England/Wales/N Ireland The Rest of UK RUK rate is yet to be confirmed and was £9,250 for 2021 entry. For 2022 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits.
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, 2024
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
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- #2
- #11
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- English
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 13 June, 2022]
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- #1
- #5
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- Linguistics
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QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 20 April, 2022]
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- #1
- #7
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- Linguistics
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 13 June, 2022]
See all university rankings of The University of Edinburgh
What students say about studying Linguistics in the UK?
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.
Where is this programme taught



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Ranking publishers
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 13 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject:
- Entry Standards 26%
Student Satisfaction 26%
Research Quality 22%
Graduate Prospects 26%
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Published:
- 20 April, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings By Subject:
- - Academic Reputation 30%
- Employer Reputation 10%
- Research Citations Per Paper 30%
- H-index 30%