Program Overview

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Philosophy and Physics, MA

Introduction

Philosophy and Physics at Aberdeen is a great subject combination, taking you on a fascinating exploration of the ‘life, the Universe, and everything…’, seeking to understand the world around us and how we might answer the Big Questions that humans have wrestled with throughout the ages. You will gain the strong intellectual skills sought by employers in many fields and transferable to a wide range of careers.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: VF53
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • The Physical Universe A (PX1015)
  • The Physical Universe B (PX1513)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Calculus 1 (MA1005)
  • Algebra (MA1006)
  • Calculus II (MA1508)
  • Experience, Knowledge and Reality (PH1023)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 15 credit points from level 1 courses in Philosophy, plus further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Dynamical Phenomena (PX2015)
  • Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (PX2510)
• Optional Courses: Plus further courses of choice which must include 45 credits of level 2 Philosophy courses and one 15 credit level 2 Mathematics course.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Energy and Matter (PX3014)
  • Quantum Mechanics (PX3511)
  • Introduction to the Solid State (PX3016)
• Optional Courses: Select ONE: Advanced Practical Physics (PX3510) OR Electricity and Magnetism (PX3512). Plus select a further 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Philosophy.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Project (PX4013)
• Optional Courses: Select ONE of the following: Case Studies in Physics (PX4007), Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (PX4012), Structure of Matter and the Universe (PX4510) OR Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics (PX4516). Plus select a further 60 credit points from level 4 courses in Philosophy.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

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.

Why Study Philosophy and Physics?

Why Philosophy

• Famous philosophers who worked at the University include Thomas Reid, founder of the 18th century Scottish School of Common Sense Philosophy, and Alexander Bain, who helped lay the foundations for modern scientific psychology.
• The Aberdeen Philosophy in Education Group (APEG), which is unique in Scotland, trains students to discuss philosophical questions with local primary and secondary school pupils.
• Café Philosophique brings philosophers and the local community together, using popular films and novels to explore philosophical puzzles in an informal atmosphere.
• The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine acts as the focus for research, teaching and engagement in the history, philosophy, ethics, literature and museology of science, technology and medicine.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library offers superb collections, including early printed works of natural philosophy and medicine, the archives of Thomas Reid, and records of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society.
• We offer a packed programme of public events, lectures and debates, including the annual WayWORD literary festival, which attracts high-profile scientists, scholars, authors, actors and broadcasters to discuss and debate the big issues of today.
• The skills you learn in Philosophy—for example, to think and write clearly, to explain complex ideas, to challenge orthodoxy—lend themselves to many careers.
• Studying Philosophy will change how you think about things and how you approach life's challenges.
• Philosophy is interesting! Students from all disciplines often report that studying Philosophy was the most rewarding experience of their studies.

Why Physics

• We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2024
• 2nd in Scotland for Overall Satisfaction - NSS 2023
• Our BSc Physics degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
• We also offer a broad-based, less mathematical degree in Physical Science that allows the combination of Physics courses with a wide choice of other subjects.
• The Physics and Astronomy Society is open to any students with an interest in physics or astronomy and organises a series of talks, experimental sessions, astronomy nights, trips, game nights, and numerous social outings.
• We are engaged in a wide range of research areas ranging from the fundamental nature of the universe through to understanding the atomic structure of complex materials and semiconductor device physics.
• Our graduates go in to a huge range of jobs including; Meteorology, Medical physics, Environmental monitoring, Astronomy, Particle physics, Geophysics, Materials science, Invention Design, Teaching, Financial Modelling.
• Notable former staff include James Clerk Maxwell, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists who have ever lived due to his revolutionary work on electricity, magnetism, and optics and the Nobel Prize winner GP Thomson.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: Standard: AABB, Minimum: BBB, Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS: Standard: BBB, Minimum: BBC, Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability.
• The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Our Experts

• You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors.