Philosophy/European Philosophy

Why study Philosophy at Dundee?

Philosophy involves being open to new and different responses to familiar and unfamiliar questions. If you ever find yourself thinking about big questions beyond everyday experience - questions that may never have a single, final answer - then you would probably enjoy studying philosophy.

Dundee is unique in Scotland in offering a specialisation in Continental Philosophy through our degree in European Philosophy - where you'll encounter the most exciting thinkers over the last 100 years (such as Nietzsche, Sartre, Foucault, and Deleuze).

We explore how philosophy is important to real-world concerns and contemporary issues by:

• drawing on films and artworks in our lectures
• discussing important scientific developments
• debating controversial ethical issues
• looking at how texts written three hundred years ago can be relevant to political situations today

You will be encouraged to make links between philosophy and other disciplines, such as politics, literature, film, the environment, psychology, and computer science. Specialist modules and independent study options will help you to explore philosophically the topics of special interest to you.

What's so good about Philosophy at Dundee?

Philosophy at Dundee has the highest number of specialist researchers and teachers on Nietzsche, existentialism, phenomenology and recent French and German philosophy in Scotland.

Student society

The Philosophy Society is a thriving student-led group that meets regularly in term-time to listen to invited speakers and debate important philosophical questions.

Seminars, workshops and conferences

As a student with us, you will be able to attend the Philosophy research seminars, where you will hear papers by visiting international speakers working in some of the most exciting areas of contemporary philosophy. You will also be able to attend the interdisciplinary School of Humanities research seminars.

As you progress to Honours, you will be encouraged to attend workshops and conferences hosted by the staff and postgraduate students in Philosophy: recent events have examined issues in contemporary ethics, in philosophy and science, and in philosophy and art, and have investigated the work of key thinkers in contemporary European philosophy.

Field trips

Optional field trips to museums, archives and art galleries are also a regular feature, as we encourage you to link your philosophical studies to a broader cultural and social context.

Degree Combinations

Related Courses at Dundee

• Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices
• English/Film Studies

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by the Philosophy team based in the School of Humanities.

Careers

A philosophy degree provides you with intellectual and perceptual skills which are an advantage in the pursuit of any professional career.

Studying philosophy will allow you to:

• Identify and explain the underlying issues in all kinds of debate.
• Read closely and become sensitive to arguments from a variety of sources and traditions.
• Offer clear and rigorous critical responses to arguments.
• Summarise and assess points of view which are not your own.
• Learn the self-discipline required for independent research.

Employers recognise that these skills are highly transferable. They mark out independent and thoughtful individuals.

As well as continuing to postgraduate study, recent graduates have gone on to work in publishing, social work, education, librarianship, the music industry, local councils and the civil service.

Postgraduate Study

If you wish to continue your studies in Philosophy, we offer a number of postgraduate Philosophy courses.

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2012

Level 1 entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABBB
GCE A-Level	BCC
ILC Higher	ABBB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	BB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level	ABB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade B in the Graded Unit (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with grade BB in the Graded Units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with CC at Advanced Higher (Level 1 entry) Pass with BB at Advanced Higher (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programmes	Relevant subjects with ABB grades to include English Literature/Language at SCQF Level 6 and Communication 4 plus Literature 1 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant HNC with Merits in all modules (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with Merits in all modules (Level 2 entry)
BTEC	A relevant National Diploma with DMM (Level 1 entry) A relevant National Diploma with DDM (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade C with ASL-A Level at B (Level 1 entry) Grade B with ASL-A Level at A (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A Levels at BC (Level 1 entry) Pass with A Levels at AB (Level 2 entry)
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Joint Honours Degrees

For details of typical entry requirements for joint honours degrees, please visit the relevant webpage for the other subject.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£9,700 per year.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and maybe subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes
MA Philosophy	V500
MA European Philosophy	V501
MA European Philosophy with French	VR51
MA European Philosophy with German	VR52
MA European Philosophy with Spanish	VR54
MA Philosophy and American Studies	TV75
MA Philosophy and English	QV35
MA Philosophy and European Studies	RV85
MA Philosophy and Film	VP53
MA Philosophy and History	VV15
MA Philosophy and International Relations	VL5G
MA Philosophy and Politics	LV25
MA Philosophy and Psychology	CV85
MA Philosophy with French	V5R1
MA Philosophy with German	V5R2
MA Philosophy with Spanish	V5R4

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for Advanced Entry Honours degrees). You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

If you wish to study Philosophy or European Philosophy at Dundee, it would be advantageous for you to be able to indicate to us that you are willing to think critically about a range of issues; that you are willing to tackle challenging texts; that you are interested in thinking about (and discussing) the 'big questions' beyond everyday experience; and that you have an open mind to different sides of an argument. Clearly, you might find it difficult to provide 'hard evidence' of any of this directly in your application, but your statement and your referee's report might provide an indication that you are willing to engage in thinking of this kind.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more MA courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits. We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: