A top-notch philosophy department quite literally on the edge of a cliff: the St Andrews MLitt is the philosopher’s choice. The course is challenging, and deadlines come thick and fast. The syllabus strikes a healthy balance between compulsory modules and chosen modules, wisely preventing any intellectual lopsidedness; whilst the range of modules on offer is varied enough to ensure that any philosophical appetite, be it moral or metaphysical, is properly satisfied. In the third and final (summer) semester you’ll write a final dissertation piece on a topic of your own choosing.

The philosophy department inhabits a 19th century baronial home, and lectures take place in re-purposed Victorian living rooms which overlook West Sands and the North Sea. The academics who make up the department are acclaimed experts in their fields, and there’s a palpably supportive culture throughout: help will always be given to those who ask for it. Outside the department, the town and its university synthesise such that it’s hard to tell where the town ends and the campus begins (if you’ve ever seen the original title sequence to Postman Pat, your daily trip into town is basically like that). St Andrews is a safe, self-contained, hospitable place on the eastern flank of a beautiful country. All in all, you’ll be by the sea in Scotland, party to a world-class philosophy community, never more than a 15-minute walk from the beach. I highly recommend the SASP MLitt.