Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh

3

How competitive is it? I know that their entry requirements are AAA, but how many people who apply get those predicted grades/exceed them?
I know that Edinburgh is a super competitive uni, especially for humanities. Its philosophy course has an acceptance rate of around 36%, which isn't super reassuring, so I'm sure that the personnel statement can't be overlooked.
I got AAA (but could potentially get an A* for one of my subjects) for my predicted grades, but my lower year grades aren't the best. What are my chances— if we overlook my personnel statement—against other applicants?
Again, I'm aware that the statement is crucial to evaluating my candidacy, but would my grades enhance my chances, or are 3 As just the bare minimum?

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

I don't know how much of a difference it really makes but I am an international student. I'm studying Philosophy and Politics at Edinburgh, so take whatever I say with a pinch of salt. I did A levels and got an ABB (not predicted, so that might have made a difference?), and it might have been pure luck but putting that aside and my fee status, I think your personal statement can make a big difference, but I have also met a lot of students here with triple A's and decent personal statements and I think meeting the grade requirement definitely gives you a much better chance.
Again, not too sure about how the whole thing works but I hope this helps or at least reassures you and good luck!

Reply 2

merlotmango457

1

Original post

by Anonymous

I don't know how much of a difference it really makes but I am an international student. I'm studying Philosophy and Politics at Edinburgh, so take whatever I say with a pinch of salt. I did A levels and got an ABB (not predicted, so that might have made a difference?), and it might have been pure luck but putting that aside and my fee status, I think your personal statement can make a big difference, but I have also met a lot of students here with triple A's and decent personal statements and I think meeting the grade requirement definitely gives you a much better chance.
Again, not too sure about how the whole thing works but I hope this helps or at least reassures you and good luck!

Do you know of anyone who did btecs in your course? I’m a btec student and would love to apply to your course! I’ve been looking at the grades and I have D* D M which is 136 UCAS point equivalent to A* A C? Is it worth applying or not?

Reply 3

Anonymous #2

Original post

by Anonymous

I don't know how much of a difference it really makes but I am an international student. I'm studying Philosophy and Politics at Edinburgh, so take whatever I say with a pinch of salt. I did A levels and got an ABB (not predicted, so that might have made a difference?), and it might have been pure luck but putting that aside and my fee status, I think your personal statement can make a big difference, but I have also met a lot of students here with triple A's and decent personal statements and I think meeting the grade requirement definitely gives you a much better chance.
Again, not too sure about how the whole thing works but I hope this helps or at least reassures you and good luck!

Hi, I am looking to study Philosophy and Politics (I have applied but not heard back from Edinburgh yet). What is your experience so far? Is it work intensive? and do you believe the teaching to be good?

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I am looking to study Philosophy and Politics (I have applied but not heard back from Edinburgh yet). What is your experience so far? Is it work intensive? and do you believe the teaching to be good?

I'd say it is pretty intensive, but nothing that is completely unmanageable. I think a lot of it depends on independent study and I think if you spend at least a couple of hours a day doing the readings you'll be fine. There are also quite a few resources and lectures outside the main course material that will help you with things like essay writing for both philosophy and politics.
I will say, I don't have any idea of the quality of teaching outside of Edinburgh, but from my experience it has been fantastic and I've had a great time interacting with a lot of the lecturers and tutors. You can usually talk to most lecturers after the lecture itself or during office hours and I haven't had a bad experience so far, from my experience they tend to be very patient with questions and offer guidance wherever they can. The only thing that I've ever felt has been a problem for me at Edinburgh is the lack of continental philosophy, which I didn't know was something mostly ignored in the UK and the US.
All that said, there have been some really strange financial cuts that have seen cuts to staff and undergraduate resources. I haven't noticed it as much in my degree but it is something to aware of before you make a decision.

Academics aside, I personally love the city, it can get quite dark and cold in the winter but otherwise it's beautiful and it's so easy to just walk to places. Buses are free as well (until you're 22) so it's really easy to just go and see other parts of scotland too.

Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated