Philosophy

Introduction to Studying Humanities

This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of the Humanities, focusing on developing essential skills for studying History, Cultural Studies and Literature. The course considers the importance and relevance of the field of Humanities in today's society.

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Introduction to Studying Social Sciences

This course draws on the social sciences subjects you can study at the University of Edinburgh, including Business, Economics, Psychology, Social Policy and Politics, to give you an insight into the world of social scientists. You’ll practice how to summarise and reflect on key theories and identify and assess different academic research in relation to global  issues such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

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Foundation English and Academic Language & Literacies (FEALL) 1

This course will introduce you to academic English through different types of academic texts, referencing skills, writing structure and organisation, and critical and analytical thinking. You’ll also practise and develop listening and speaking skills and learn effective strategies for reading and engaging with academic literature, including understanding and evaluating arguments.

This course has two levels - Entry and Plus.

Entry: You’ll take this course, which includes extra in-class hours each week, if you haven’t met the English language requirements for your chosen degree programme OR

Foundation English and Academic Language & Literacies (FEALL) 2

This course will build on the skills you’ve been developing in Teaching Block 1; you’ll be able to use these to complete an independent research project. 

You’ll continue at the same level as in Teaching Block 1.

You’ll also choose TWO of the following courses. 

Critical Thinking and Argumentation

This course introduces the analysis of different kinds of arguments, encouraging you to reflect on beliefs and practices, and developing your own skills in constructing good arguments. You’ll look at how arguments are presented in a range of subjects from social anthropology to philosophy, and will learn how to use formal logic, evidence, and experiential knowledge in academic discussions and writing. You’ll do this by studying a range of classic and contemporary texts.

Studying Society

This course will teach you key study and research skills in the social sciences, including Business, Economics, and International Relations. In conversation with your teachers, you will develop your own research project based on your chosen undergraduate degree and the course topics. You’ll learn how social scientists describe, define, measure and explain features of modern capitalist society, such as consumerism, surplus value or sustainability.

Analysing Text and Material Culture

This course will introduce you to the analysis of cultural artefacts such as films, artworks, stories and poems. We will look at what we mean by culture and theories associated with it, and analyse those in connection with examples from literature, film and art. This course will include thought-provoking discussion and visits to some of the cultural artefacts we will work on, and will develop your skills of close reading and analysis.

A pass in this course is required for progression to some degrees – please check our degree requirements. 

Mathematics, Statistics & Data Analysis for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences 

This course will build on your existing mathematics skills and introduce you to data and statistical analysis. You will learn to explore, visualise, and analyse data to understand the world through quantitative methods, applying mathematical techniques to real-world contexts.

You are required to have an appropriate level of mathematical knowledge prior to starting this course.

A pass in this course is required for progression to some degrees – please check our degree requirements.

Please note that as some courses are a requirement for progression to some degree programmes, students who need to take the course to progress will be given priority and this may limit places available. 

Below are some of the undergraduate programmes within the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences that our Humanities and Social Sciences IFP pathway allows progression on to after successful completion.

Browse our full range of IFP Progression Routes to Undergraduate Study >