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Undergraduate admissions

Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Why choose Philosophy at UVic?

Explore the big questions—and build real-world skills you can use anywhere. Philosophy at UVic helps you think clearly, communicate effectively and make strong, evidence-based decisions. You’ll explore ideas about truth, justice, knowledge, meaning and beauty while learning how to apply them in everyday life, across disciplines and in your future career.

What you’ll gain:

  • Career-ready skills in analysis, reasoning, and communication
  • Opportunities to apply your learning through co-op and hands-on experiences
  • A flexible degree you can combine with interests like politics, science or business
  • A supportive, discussion-based community where your voice matters
Jump to admission requirements

What will you study?

Choose the questions that matter most to you and shape your degree around them.

Moral, legal and political philosophy

  • Explore justice, rights and ethics
  • Understand how societies make decisions and laws

Metaphysics and epistemology

  • Ask: what is real—and how do we know?
  • Study knowledge, logic, truth and the mind

History of philosophy

  • Learn from influential thinkers like Socrates, Kant, Nietzsche and de Beauvoir
  • Understand how ideas have shaped the world

Aesthetics

  • Examine art, creativity and beauty
  • Explore how we interpret meaning in culture and media

Earn while you learn

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

  • Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
  • Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
  • On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
  • Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Excel on standardized tests

Philosophy students consistently perform at a high level on major graduate and professional exams. On average, they outperform students from other disciplines on:

  • LSAT (law school)
  • GRE (graduate school)
  • GMAT (business school)

This reflects the strong analytical and reasoning skills you’ll develop throughout your degree.

Inspiring courses

  • Metaphysics
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Theory of Perception
  • Theories of Justice
  • Contemporary Moral Philosophy

PHIL 210: Critical Thinking

This is the most popular course in the Faculty of Humanities—and for good reason. You’ll learn how to:

  • Evaluate arguments and spot flawed reasoning
  • Assess credible sources in media and everyday life
  • Build strong, logical arguments

These skills help you succeed in university, your career, and daily decision-making—no matter your path.

Student life & community

Philosophy Students’ Union

  • Join study groups, philosophy cafés, and events
  • Attend an annual student conference Connect with peers who share your interests

Philosophy students’ lounge

  • Relax, study and talk through ideas
  • Expect coffee, conversation and ongoing debates

Sophia: Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy 

  • Join a peer-reviewed academic journal

  • Work as an editor, reviewer, or contributor

  • Build writing and publishing experience

Philosophy Colloquium

  • Attend talks by leading philosophers

  • Ask questions, debate ideas, and expand your perspective.

What can I do with this degree?

A philosophy degree opens doors across industries by building skills employers look for. Common career paths include:

  • Law and public policy (lawyer, policy analyst, government roles)
  • Business and communication (HR, consulting, marketing)
  • Technology and ethics (UX research, AI ethics, data analysis)
  • Education and research

Some specific career opportunities are:

  • Immigration/intelligence officer
  • Policy analyst
  • Risk analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Software programmer
You can also combine philosophy with other programs or experiences to expand your career options.

Admission

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Alternatively, you can apply to another major and then add this program as a minor after one year of full-time study.

Program details

Providing you accurate application deadlines, tuition fee estimates, admission requirements, scholarships and transfer credit depends on your situation.

Program details

This information assumes you are . If this is incorrect, please update your information.

Application deadline

Admission requirements

Expanded qualifications

English language proficiency

Transfer credit

Tuition & fees

Tuition rates effective May 1, 2026 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2026).

This is an estimate only and should be used to give students, parents, and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term.

Scholarships

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