Philosophy and Scottish Literature

This joint programme gives you an in-depth knowledge of Philosophy and Scottish Literature.

In Years 1 and 2, you will take courses that introduce you to the different aspects of each subject area, and choose options from a range of disciplines.

At honours level (Years 3 and 4), you will select courses based on your interests, so you can specialise in particular topics.

Combining literature with philosophy shows an openness to different ideas and perspectives which is valuable in many careers and the wider world.

Philosophy

Studying philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way. Philosophy:

• introduces you to the thinking of some of the great philosophers of the past and present

• shows the connections between different areas of human experience

• increases awareness of assumptions that influence your beliefs

Scottish Literature

From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh's resources for studying Scottish literature are exceptional.

You will study in the oldest department of literature in the UK and one of the longest established in the world. Our Writers-in-Residence have included some of Scottish literature's most significant contemporary authors. To name but a few:

• Jenni Fagan

• Liz Lochhead

• Sorley Maclean

• Norman MacCaig

• Michael Pedersen

• Alan Warner

In Years 1 and 2, you will explore the cultural contexts of all major periods of Scottish literature, from the late Middle Ages to the present. You will explore different approaches to reading and a range of poetry, prose and drama, including international literature written in English.

In Years 3 and 4, you will choose courses on Scottish Literature covering specific topics, periods or genres.

Programme benefits

• Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583. Edinburgh was the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment and has a distinguished place in the history of philosophy.

• You will have a choice of more than 40 option courses in Years 3 and 4 in all the main branches of philosophy and literature.

• Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:

• philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science

• ethics

• epistemology

• history of philosophy

• As the historical home of David Hume and Adam Smith, the city of Edinburgh has long been, and remains, a fitting place to study philosophy.

• The University too, has a strong historical connection to the subject, with Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.

• You will learn at the heart of a UNESCO World City of Literature, home of one of the world's largest annual book festivals.