Course contact details
Postgraduate Admissions
Email:pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk
Phone:01224 272090
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Philosophy and Society (Online) (Taught)
- MLitt
- 27 Months
- Online study
- 14 September 2026
- Postgraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Learn to engage non-academic audiences and make an impact with philosophy. Join a unique online Masters that focuses on applying and practising philosophy in the real world.
Learn to use philosophy to make an impact in the world.
Join a unique Masters in Philosophy where you’ll learn to take philosophical thinking out into the world to address questions and solve problems outside academia. In this flexible online degree, which fits around full-time work, you’ll learn to use philosophy in a range of non-academic contexts and careers. Alongside in-depth philosophical study, you’ll develop hands-on experience in:
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engaging with the public
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exchanging knowledge with organisations outside academia, and
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communicating your research to diverse audiences.
Diverse expertise
You’ll access advanced research and expertise drawn from our Centre for Knowledge and Society (CEKAS). CEKAS brings together scholars from different disciplines to investigate and address societal challenges.
Applied philosophical research
As a junior member of CEKAS, you’ll examine key issues in contemporary applied philosophical research, and engage in research projects that make a real-world impact.
Interdisciplinary learning
With our support, you’ll forge connections between philosophy and other areas as part of your studies, such as science, politics, education, technology, or the arts. You’ll build links with other disciplines, organisations, and businesses to aid your future research and career.
Modules
In this degree you will take courses in philosophy and other disciplines, alongside courses that build your skills and experience in public engagement and the social impact of philosophy.
Assessment method
Essays, presentations, public-oriented pieces, course conference, impact statement, dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
This distance learning Masters in Philosophy and Society is delivered flexibly, 100% online. You can learn with us anywhere in the world, no student visa required, and manage your study hours to suit you.
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Entry requirements
Candidates must normally have an Honours degree to at least 2:2 standard in an appropriate discipline or equivalent qualifications
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations.
We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test.
Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements.
Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2026. The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2026/27 academic year.
Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.
Sponsorship information
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
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