Philosophy and Scottish Literature MA

The joint honours program in Philosophy and Scottish Literature offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the core of intellectual life and the rich heritage of Scotland's literary contributions. Studying philosophy provides the essential skills to address complex questions in a clear and systematic manner, introducing the thinking of major philosophers from both the past and present. The curriculum emphasizes the connections between different areas of human experience and increases an awareness of the underlying assumptions that influence personal and societal beliefs. By engaging with these philosophical foundations, students develop a robust analytical toolkit applicable to a wide range of academic and professional contexts.

In conjunction with philosophical study, the program utilizes the exceptional resources of the university's Special Collections and the National Library of Scotland to explore Scottish literature. As the oldest department of literature in the UK, the program features a distinguished history of Writers-in-Residence, including significant contemporary authors such as Jenni Fagan and Liz Lochhead. During the first two years, the curriculum explores the cultural contexts of all major periods of Scottish literature, from the late Middle Ages to the present day, covering a diverse range of poetry, prose, and drama.