Program Overview

Philosophy and Sociology, MA

Introduction

Philosophy and Sociology takes you on a fascinating exploration of argument and how we apply it to the Big Questions of fundamental importance to us as humans and adds the study of how we as individuals are shaped in so many ways by the societies we live in.

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: VL53
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Introduction to Sociology I: Self, Identity & Society (SO1007)
  • Introduction to Sociology II: Systems of Power (SO1509)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Experience, Knowledge and Reality (PH1023)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select two from the following courses:
    • Controversial Questions (PH1027)
    • How Should One Live? (PH1522)
    • Logic and Argument (PH1034)
    • Environmental Ethics (PH1537)
  • Plus further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Sociology of Everyday Life i: the Embodied Self (SO2006)
  • Sociology of Everyday Life II: Global Issues in the 21st Century (SO2509)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select further courses of choice to make up 120 credits, of which 45 credits must be level 2 Philosophy courses.

Year 3

• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE fromEACH of the following options:
    • Thinking Sociologically (SO3066) OR Sociology of Religion (SO3070)
    • Social Research Methods (SO3524) OR Ten Sociological Studies (SO3568)
  • Plus select a further 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Philosophy.

Year 4

• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
    • Philosophy Dissertation (PH402D)
    • Research Project Part 1 (SO4068) AND Research Project Part 2 (SO4568) [Sociology]
  • Plus further credit points from level 4 course(s) in Sociology (from the table below) and level 4 course(s) in Philosophy to gain a total of 60 credits in each discipline.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

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 Sociology?

Why Philosophy

• Study at a University with a rich history of philosophy.
• Engage with the Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Medicine through events and research seminars.
• Access 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.
• Develop highly transferable skills that will increase your employability.
• Studying Philosophy will change how you think about things and how you approach life's challenges.
• Philosophy is interesting!

Why Sociology

• Aberdeen has an international reputation for our sociology research, and we are recognised by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as a centre for research training and supervision for postgraduate students.
• Aberdeen is ranked 2nd in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in sociology, social policy, and anthropology in the 2024 National Student Survey.
• Sociology at Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in Scotland in the Complete University Guide 2025.
• Get involved with a packed programme of student and public events, lectures, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers, plus the annual May Festival, British Science Week and Being Human Festival regularly featuring Aberdeen research in social sciences.

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

• Fee information:
  • 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.