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:
- engaging with the public
- exchanging knowledge with organisations outside academia, and
- 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.
Who can join this online Masters in Philosophy and Society?
This distance learning Masters degree is open to:
- graduates in any discipline who want to apply philosophical content and analysis to their field
- graduates in Philosophy interested in applying Philosophy to careers outside academia, pursuing a postgraduate research degree, or working in academia.
By the end of this degree, you’ll be able to...
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Demonstrate your understanding of philosophical concepts, arguments, theories, and methods.
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Apply philosophical understanding and skills to a range of social questions and problems.
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Communicate philosophical findings to a range of audiences in spoken and written form.
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Pursue independent research that has potential for impact.
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Demonstrate experience in networking and knowledge exchange with non-academic organisations.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for your online Masters in Philosophy
1st in Scotland for Philosophy
Our Philosophy department is ranked 1st in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2024.
2nd in Scotland for Philosophy
We’re ranked 2nd in Scotland for Philosophy in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Over 525 years of excellence
You’ll graduate from the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in 1495.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or
- start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (30 credits).
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
How you’ll study
Online learning
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.
Your teaching
Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources available, including:
- video lectures
- live online tutorials
- guided independent study activities
- reading materials
- discussion boards with your tutors and peers
- online support from your course coordinators
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
You’ll receive regular feedback in class and on your submitted work. Guidance and feedback will always be mindful of your background knowledge in philosophy and will be clearly linked to final assessment and learning outcomes.
Live online tutorials
Each course that’s part of this MLitt features a one-hour live tutorial each week. These are hosted online by the course coordinator. In these sessions, they’ll offer support, advice, feedback, and address any questions you might have.
Your tutors
This online degree is delivered by the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History.
You’ll learn from a highly experienced team of Philosophy lecturers who are also active researchers in the areas in which they teach.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Gerry Hough
Gerry is the degree coordinator. He’ll be on hand to answer questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Kate Smith
Kate is part of the School’s support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Earn the same MLitt qualification online as you would on campus
You’ll graduate with a respected Masters in Philosophy and Society from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK’s six ancient universities.
You’ll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your MLitt qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world, opening up international opportunities.
Careers
You’ll graduate from this degree with the confidence to use philosophy in a variety of non-academic contexts and careers.
Ajna Rao – MLitt Philosophy and Society graduate
“My time as a postgraduate student in the MLitt Philosophy and Society course was absolutely brilliant.
“The course was tailored specifically to the student’s research interests, and there was an effort to take my research interests to new heights with the interdisciplinarity that this programme offers.”
Lidong Mou – MLitt Philosophy and Society graduate
“I’ve gained a lot from this programme. I’ve become aware that philosophy can achieve much more than I’ve ever thought.
I also learned a lot about how to engage the public and make an impact with my project, including how to get stakeholders involved in the project, and how to explain philosophical issues to people who don’t know much about philosophy.”
Read more about our graduates’ experiences
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
Master of Letters
180 credits
£12,580
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
£8,320
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£4,060
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.
The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our indicative costs include a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for flexible online qualifications
Fits around full-time work
This degree fits around full-time work, with flexible hours and 24/7 study access.
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
20% alumni discount
University of Aberdeen alumni receive 20% off fees for this online degree.
Entry requirements
MLitt, PgDip, PgCert
The minimum entry requirements for this degree are:
- a 2:1 UK honours degree or equivalent (normally a 3.0 GPA in North America).
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September
- INDICATIVE COST
- £12,580
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
