Philosophy and Mathematics
Philosophy and mathematics are disciplines that, at their deepest level, share a concern with the foundations of reasoning itself. Philosophy asks what we can know, what exists, what is right, and how arguments should be structured; mathematics provides the most rigorous system of logical reasoning human beings have developed, exploring abstract structures with a precision that makes it the language of science and technology. Studied together, they allow you to engage with questions about the nature of mathematical truth, the foundations of logic and proof, the philosophy of science, and the relationship between formal reasoning and the world we experience.
This combination produces graduates with exceptionally strong analytical skills and a capacity for abstract thought.
At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year, full-time degree gives you a grounding in both disciplines at one of the UK's leading research universities. In philosophy, you will engage with logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and the philosophy of mind and science. In mathematics, you will develop rigorous proof skills alongside work in analysis, algebra, and applied mathematical areas.
A year abroad is included in the programme, giving you the opportunity to study at an international institution and experience different academic and intellectual cultures. A typical entry tariff of 232 points reflects the high academic standard of this programme.
Graduates of philosophy and mathematics degrees are among the most analytically capable in the job market. Their destinations include careers in finance, actuarial science, data science, technology, consulting, law, policy, research, and academia. The combination of precise quantitative skills and rigorous conceptual thinking is particularly valued in roles that require both modelling and the ability to interrogate assumptions.
Postgraduate study in philosophy, mathematics, logic, computer science, or a related field is a natural next step for many graduates.