Philosophy and Politics (Hons)

Overview

If you find yourself thinking about life's big issues and questions, the MA Philosophy and Politics (Hons) from University of Dundee  could be for you. 

At Levels 1 and 2 you will receive a grounding in ancient and modern philosophy and be introduced to fundamental ideas concerning ethics, epistemology (the nature of knowledge), and metaphysics (the nature of reality).

You then specialise at Levels 3 and 4 by drawing on a range of philosophy modules taught by lecturers engaging in interdisciplinary research.

You will study existentialism in relation to contemporary culture, technology, and film, and topics in aesthetics and the philosophy of art. You will also be encouraged to make links between philosophy and other subjects, such as politics, literature, film, the environment, psychology, and computer science.

Politics confronts the big issues that affect societies the world over. You’ll get an overview of the British political system as well as examining some of the most complex problems faced by humanity and the ideas that underpin them. The MA degree means you study Politics alongside other subjects from History to Geography, languages to Psychology. At Levels 3 and 4 you will be able to specialise.

Our current teaching includes optional modules on Russian, Irish, and Middle Eastern politics, nations and nationalism, political theories, and on human rights and humanitarian intervention. Topics such as illegal drugs, gender and sexuality, environmental sustainability, and surveillance are also covered.

Careers

Our Philosophy graduates have gone on to postgraduate study and worked in a wide variety of careers including:

• publishing
• social work
• education
• the music industry
• civil service

While you may not become a politician (though many of our students over the years have: as MPs, MSPs and MEPs), your degree will open up a range of opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

In other words, the skills - personal, verbal and written - that you will acquire can be easily transferred to many walks of life. We have produced leading journalists, civil servants, diplomats - and even the occasional secret agent!