University of Aberdeen
English and Philosophy MA (Hons)
University of Aberdeen

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 50 graduates of English and Philosophy MA (Hons) and other courses in English studies (non-specific) at University of Aberdeen for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in English studies (non-specific).

Overall student satisfaction
85 /100
50 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in English studies (non-specific)

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of English studies (non-specific) 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 £21500 £21500 £24000
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £27500 £16500 - £25000 £19000 - £29500


Salary of all UK Graduates of English studies (non-specific)

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24407 £22290 £26494
25-75 percentile range £20404 - £28175 £17053 - £27482 £20012 - £33560

Course Description

English and Philosophy at Aberdeen combines all the advantages of the UK’s second most highly-rated research hub for English literature, language and creative writing, with a fascinating exploration of how we as humans approach the ‘big questions’ of fundamental importance to us throughout the ages to the present day. The intellectual skills you will develop and their transferability will make you a very attractive graduate with wide career options, including in business.

Aberdeen is a leading centre for the study of literature, language and creative writing, rated second in the UK for its research output. You will study poetry and prose through the dynamic relationship between author, reader and literary text, covering every period from Chaucer to contemporary English, Scottish, Irish, European and American writing and the cultural and critical impact of powerful and controversial modern works. You will be inspired by enthusiastic teachers and researchers, themselves acclaimed authors and poets and be encouraged to develop your own creative writing skills.

Philosophers attempt to answer questions such as: What is knowledge? What is the nature of truth? Why should we act morally? Philosophy is just as much the study of reasoning and argument as it is the application of thought to specific problems. What makes Philosophy at Aberdeen especially attractive is the breadth of courses, the user-friendly materials you will use and the experts who will teach you. In your first year alone, you will study topics such as How Should One Live? Controversial Questions, and Experience, Knowledge and Reality. The skills you will develop through combining these subjects will be a great foundation for any career you choose, including business, so your career options will be wide.

English is ranked third in Scotland for creative writing (Complete University Guide 2021). 94% Overall Satisfaction for Linguistics and Creative Writing. The Complete University Guide 2021. Philosophy ranked top in Scotland for teaching and course content in the last National Student Survey.

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 English and Philosophy MA (Hons) at University of Aberdeen

25% Business and public service associate professionals
15% Information Technology Professionals
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
10% Finance Professionals
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Sales occupations
5% Information Technology Professionals
5% Process, plant and machine operatives

Grading & Study Time

**Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:** Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; Written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for English studies (non-specific)

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above.

IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted

TOEFL (iBT) 78

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.

PTE Academic 59

Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above.

Online Test is not accepted

Trinity ISE

Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.

Institution's Own Test

Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)

Cambridge English Advanced

Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.

Cambridge English Proficiency

Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.

When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be able to apply for.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study English 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 English and Philosophy MA (Hons)

Ireland £9250 year 1
EU £21900 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £21900 year 1
International £21900 year 1
EU £20800 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
International £20800 year 1

Additional fee information

EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

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 University of Aberdeen in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of University of Aberdeen in related subject specific rankings.

Languages & Literature

    • #5 
    • #22 
    English
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

See all 28 university rankings of University of Aberdeen

About University of Aberdeen

Dating back to the year 1495 we find the University of Aberdeen, located in the Scottish city of the same name. The main site of this ancient institution is Old Aberdeen, where students in the arts and social sciences as well as the physical sciences carry out their learning. Meanwhile on the significantly more modern campus site Foresterhill, learners in the medical and research fields occupy their own purpose-built buildings, such as Suttie Centre.

List of 511 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Aberdeen - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

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