Master of Arts in Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy at Queen's University is recognized internationally for its research excellence in political philosophy and cognate fields like normative ethics, applied ethics (especially animal ethics and bioethics) and legal philosophy. The Department also has strengths in continental philosophy, early modern philosophy, ancient philosophy, history of philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, philosophy of language, and philosophy of science. The Department’s faculty include eight members of the Royal Society of Canada (seven fellows and one member of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists), Ontario’s Research Chair in Bioethics, and Canada's Research Chairs in Political Philosophy and the Philosophy of Law. For more about the Department's research, visit our Faculty and Research pages.

The Department of Philosophy offers four graduate programs: the M.A. program, the M.A. in Political and Legal Thought (PLT) program, the new J.D.M.A. in Political and Legal Thought program, and the Ph.D. program.

Admission to the M.A. Programs requires an honours bachelor's degree with a strong background in philosophy (e.g., a major in philosophy) normally with a minimum A- standing, and proficiency in English.

Those interested in the M.A. in Political and Legal Thought program may apply to this program through the collaborating academic unit (Philosophy, Political Studies, or Law) that best matches their academic background. Successful candidates who apply through Philosophy will receive an M.A. in philosophy specializing in political and legal thought, successful candidates who apply through Political Studies will receive an M.A. in Political Studies specializing in political and legal thought, and so on. However, those interested in the J.D./M.A. in Political and Legal Thought program must apply to the M.A. in Political and Legal Thought program through the Department of Philosophy and, separately, to the J.D. program through the Faculty of Law.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - score of 7 on the academic module
Letters of Recommendation: Two current academic references are required. Requests for references are sent to your referees electronically via the online application, so please ensure you provide correct email addresses.
Transcripts: Official, up-to-date transcripts for all current and previous study listed by the applicant in the 'Academic Background' section of their online application are required.
Statement of Interest: A statement of reasons for wishing to undertake graduate studies in philosophy and areas of philosophical interest, normally not more than two double-spaced pages, is required. This is completed online.
Current Course List: A list of all relevant completed and (if applicable) ongoing undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate courses is required. Include the course's name, number and level, and a short description of its content. This is completed online.
Writing Sample: A sample of written work of approximately 10-15 double-spaced pages is required. The writing sample should demonstrate ability to do philosophy at an advanced level.
Proficiency in English: English is the language of instruction and communication in the Department of Philosophy at Queen's University. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission. If English is not a native language, prospective students must meet English language proficiency requirements in writing, speaking, reading, and listening. The School of Graduate Studies requires the following minimum scores: TOEFL (paper-based): 550, (2) TOEFL iBT: Writing (24/30), Speaking (22/30), Reading (22/30), Listening (20/30), for a total of 88/120 (applicants must have the minimum score in each test as well as the minimum overall score), or (3) IELTS: 7.0 (academic module overall band score), or (4) PTE Academics: 65.