Program Overview

Philosophy and Psychology, MA

Introduction

Philosophy and Psychology at Aberdeen is a great subject pairing, taking you on a fascinating study of argument and how we apply it to Big Questions of fundamental importance to us as humans. At the same time, this programme explores how we think and behave as humans, in a stimulating teaching and research environment that gives you a hands-on approach to gaining the skills and grounding to succeed in any career involving ‘people’.

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: VC58
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory (PS1009)
  • Introductory Psychology I: Methods and Applications (PS1011)
  • Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509)
  • Introductory Psychology II: Methods and Applications (PS1511)
  • Experience, Knowledge and Reality (PH1023)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select 30 credit points from the following courses:
    • PH 1027 Controversial Questions
    • PH 1522 How Should One Live?
    • PH 1518 Logic and Argument
    • PH 1537 Environmental Ethics
  • Plus further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Advanced Psychology A - Concepts and Theory (PS2017)
  • Advanced Psychology 1 - Methods and Applications (PS2018)
  • Advanced Psychology B - Concepts and Theory (PS2517)
  • Advanced Psychology 2 - Methods and Applications (PS2518)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select further courses of choice to make up 120 credits.
  • Level 2 Philosophy courses available:
    • Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (PH2512) 15 credits
    • Metaphysics and Epistemology (PH2540) 15 credits
    • Philosophy and Society (PH2512) 15 credits
    • Political Philosophy (PH201C) 15 credits

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Psychological Assessment (PS3011)
  • Methodology A (PS3015)
  • Developmental Psychology (PS3518)
  • Social Psychology (PS3520)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select 60 credits from level 3 Philosophy courses.
  • A selection of the following Philosophy courses will be available at level 3:
    • Free Will and Moral Responsibility (30 credits)
    • The Metaphysics of Possibility (30 credits)
    • Genes, Brains and Evolution (30 credits)
    • Philosophy of Medicine (30 credits)
    • Knowledge, Power and Society (30 credits)
    • Global Justice (30 credits)
    • Contemporary Topics in Philosophy (30 credits)
    • Theories of Democracy (30 credits)
    • Honours Research Project in Philosophy (30 credits)

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Advances in Biological Psychology (PS4033)
  • Perceptual Processes (PS4037)
  • Psychology Joint Honours Thesis (PS4038)
  • Memory and Language Processes (PS4532)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select a further 60 credit points of level 4 Philosophy courses.
  • A selection of the following Philosophy courses will be available at level 4:
    • Ancient Chinese Philosophy (30 credits)
    • Philosophy of Games and Sports (30 credits)
    • Scepticism (30 credits) Creativity (30 credits)
    • Philosophy of Time (30 credits)
    • Scientific Revolutions and Scientific Rationality (30 credits)
    • Effective Altruism (30 credits)
    • The Open Future (30 credits)
    • Social Epistemology (30 credits)
    • Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (30 credits)

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.

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.

Why Study Philosophy and Psychology?

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 Psychology

• You will be introduced to state-of-the-art concepts and theories taught by award-winning teachers and world-class researchers, exposing you to the latest thinking in the field.
• You will benefit from the key strengths within the School of social psychology, neuroscience, language, perception and industrial psychology.
• We have a wide range of course options available in 4th Year to allow you to specialise in areas such as clinical, forensic, language and developmental psychology.
• You will have the opportunity to gain experience using specialised laboratories and equipment including those for brain imaging analysis, eye movement recording, movement analysis and visual neuroscience.
• To help you get a job we have an employability programme for our students which includes: internship opportunities, online resources, career talks and networking events.
• Psychology graduates are eligible for membership of the British Psychological Society, this is a first step towards becoming a professional Psychologist.
• In the final year students have the opportunity to do a unique research project to a professional level. A number of final year projects have gone on to be published in internationally renowned journals.

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.

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. This is essential for your future career success. 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.

Accreditation

This degree holds accreditation from the British Psychological Society.