Master of Arts in Philosophy

The UBC Masters in Philosophy provides an opportunity for excellent students to study philosophy at an advanced level, to broaden their understanding of some fundamental questions, and to acquire the skills and knowledge that are necessary for the development their own philosophical research.

There are two routes by which a Masters degree in Philosophy can be gained at UBC: a thesis-based route and a coursework based one.

The requirements of the coursework-based route are usually met by taking ten courses, with at least six of these being taught in the Department of Philosophy. Completion of the thesis-based route usually involves taking six courses, and then writing a thesis. In both routes it is normal for students to complete the degree within two years.

Students have considerable flexibility as to the areas of philosophy in which they choose to specialize. Those wishing to study the work of philosophers writing in languages other than English have the opportunity to learn the languages in question. Most of our students also gain experience of teaching philosophy, through working as a teaching assistant in a variety of undergraduate courses.

A bachelor’s degree or its academic equivalent with a minimum average of 76% (B+) or 3.3 GPA in third and fourth-year level coursework and EITHER:

Honours in philosophy with a 80-84% (A-) or 3.7 GPA in at least 12 credits of third and fourth year philosophy course work, OR

an A- or 3.7 GPA in at least 12 credits of course work typically including the following, with a B+ or 3.3 GPA in each:

3 credits in formal logic
6 credits at the upper level in the history of philosophy
3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory
6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

TOEFL (IBT) OVERALL SCORE REQUIREMENT

100
ibT Reading 22
ibT Writing 21
ibT Listening 22
ibT Speaking 21

IELTS OVERALL SCORE REQUIREMENT

7.0
IELTS Reading 6.5
IELTS Writing 6.5
IELTS Listening 6.5
IELTS Speaking 6.5