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.

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

"The critical skills you gain through studying philosophy can be applied to everything from music to neuroscience. I chose Dundee because the programme is innovative and strongly interdisciplinary; while small enough to give you time to regularly discuss topics with lecturers and fellow students. I'd definitely recommend the programme to others."
3rd year student, Single Honours Philosophy

More Philosophy student and graduate profiles »

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.

"Studying philosophy at Dundee has been a very rewarding experience for me, as I followed a programme of study that covered many of the central thinkers of Western thought. As I progressed in my course, the philosophy became more challenging, but the staff are always pleased to explain concepts clearly and thoroughly, and to show the relevance of what we were studying not only to philosophy, but also to other disciplines and to modern life in general."
4th year student, Single Honours Philosophy

• MA Philosophy and American Studies
• MA Philosophy and English
• MA Philosophy and European Studies
• MA Philosophy and Film
• MA Philosophy and History
• MA Philosophy and International Relations
• MA Philosophy and Politics
• MA Philosophy and Psychology

• MA Philosophy with French
• MA Philosophy with German
• MA Philosophy with Spanish

• MA European Philosophy with French
• MA European Philosophy with German
• MA European Philosophy with Spanish

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