15. Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a deadline for applications?

For the PhD: Yes. The deadline for applications for direct entry to the PhD in 2013/14 is 25 January 2013.

For the MLitt and conversion diploma: No. There is no set deadline for the MLitt programme. However, students who wish to be considered for any SASP grants that become available should submit their applications by 15 March 2013.

You should also check whether potential funding sources have their own deadlines. If you are applying for such funding, your formal application to SASP must be processed in time to meet those deadlines.

Which degree should I apply for?

The standard SASP postgraduate degree is the MLitt. If you already have an undergraduate degree with a major in philosophy, and if you want to continue to a SASP PhD, then this is the degree you should apply for initially.

If you have a Masters degree (in philosophy) which is equivalent to the SASP MLitt, then you may be considered for direct entry to the PhD.

What if I don't already have an undergraduate degree with a major in philosophy?

Students without an undergraduate degree with a major in philosophy (or the equivalent) are advised to apply for the Conversion Diploma. Students who successfully complete the Conversion Diploma can then proceed to the MLitt.

Can I proceed directly to the PhD?

Yes. If you have a Masters degree (in philosophy) which is equivalent to the SASP MLitt, then you may be considered for direct entry to the PhD.

Does the MLitt automatically lead to the PhD?

No. Once you have been accepted into the MLitt, admission to the PhD depends on two conditions: (1) There must be a suitable supervisor for your intended project; and (2) you must do well in the M.Litt. The requirement for continuing to the SAP PhD is an average of at least 16 overall in the MLitt, on the St Andrews 20-point grading scale.)

Because of the second condition, acceptance into the PhD can only be officially confirmed in September, after your dissertation has been assessed.

Is there a two-year masters degree available?

Yes. The M.Phil is a two-year masters degree, the second year of which is a research year.

Is there funding available for the MLitt?

Yes, usually. The SASP programme had some funding available for MLitt students in 2012/13, in the form of grants made available by funding from the Philosophical Quarterly. If you wish to be considered for these grants, your application must be received by 15 March 2013.

Unfortunately, SASP MLitt students are not eligible for either AHRC or ORS funding.

Is there funding available for the PhD?

Yes. SASP has THREE AHRC studentships to award, and also has some funding of its own. PhD students are also eligible to apply to ORS. The Arche Research Centre also has a number of studentships available.

Is it possible to start the SASP programme in the Spring Semester (February)?

For the MLitt: No. The MLitt programme always starts in September. It is not possible to enter the programme in the Spring.

For the PhD: Yes. PhD students can begin studies on the 27th of any month of the year apart from December and July. However, to be eligible for SASP funding, you must apply by the deadline of 25 January 2013 if you plan to start anytime in 2013/14.

Can graduate students work as tutors or teaching assistants?

PhD and MPhil students are invited to take first year tutorials. The usual load is six tutorials per week for twenty weeks during the year. It is, of course, possible to take fewer tutorials. We do not normally encourage PhD students to take more than eight hours a week. It is not possible to fully support yourself by teaching.

Students enrolled in the MLitt are not normally allocated tutoring.

Are there language requirements?

The SASP course is taught in English. If you are a native speaker and/or if your undergraduate degree was taught in English, then you do not need to provide further evidence of competence in English. If you are NOT a native speaker AND your undergraduate degree was NOT taught in English, then we require a recognised English Language test.

We normally require a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based). A copy of your TOEFL certificate will be sufficient. Alternatively an IELTS score of 7.00. (Ideally we prefer the IELTS exam.)

The university of St Andrews offers pre-sessional English courses - you can find out more about them on the website of the St Andrews University English Language Teaching Centre.

Do I need a research topic before I arrive?

It is not necessary to a specific research proposal already worked out when you apply for the MLitt. Topics for the MLitt dissertation are worked out during the academic year, in consultation with the course convenor and potential supervisors.

If you wish to be admitted directly to the PhD, then you DO need to have a specific research proposal for your thesis. We would also need to find someone who is willing and able to supervise your topic. You should also feel free to approach members of staff directly yourself. You can get an idea of people's individual research interests from the departmental websites of St Andrews and Stirling.