Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about Philosophy.
View full program detailsProgram information
Train to be a better thinker and problem-solver by studying the ideas of eminent theorists, from the ancient masters to contemporary scholars. Studying philosophy will, among other things, allow you to examine and express ideas and arguments clearly, precisely, and logically.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
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- Yes
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
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What you'll learn
Interested in becoming a better thinker and problem-solver? By studying the ideas of eminent philosophers, from the ancient masters to contemporary scholars, you will learn to examine and express ideas and arguments clearly, precisely, and logically. Studying philosophy will give you an excellent understanding of the intellectual landscape in which you live and work.
Experiential learning and research
In your coursework, you will have abundant research opportunities, especially in upper-level courses. You have the option of two directed studies courses, where you will undertake a supervised investigation of an assigned topic, culminating in a major term paper.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the annual Roger Watts Debates as part of a student team. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences also holds an annual Undergraduate Research Conference on UBC’s Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
Campus features
UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to several renowned experts in philosophy working with students and community stakeholders on some truly exciting research and community events, including the annual Roger Watts Debate.
Program advantages
Acquire the foundational skills needed to pursue a career in law, politics, journalism, administration, and any other profession that values informed reasoning, creative problem-solving, and productive decision-making. Attend seminars with visiting speakers from prominent academic institutions, industry, and government.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take in Philosophy. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to outstanding philosophers and their systems. Ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, and philosophy of religion
Moral problems arising in the health sciences. Topics may include abortion, death and euthanasia, genetic engineering, behaviour modification, compulsory treatment, experimentation with human beings and animals, and/or the relationship between professionals and their patients, subjects, or clients
Ethical and professional issues facing those who work with computers. Piracy, hacking, responsibility, and liability for the use of software; cyberpornography and freedom of information; computerized invasion of privacy; computers in the workplace; the use of artificial intelligence; and expert systems
Moral problems in contemporary business and professional practice, general moral theory, the law, and policy formation. Corporate social and environmental responsibility, employee rights, preferential hiring and affirmative action programs, conflicts of interest, advertising, “whistle blowing,” and self-regulation.
Outcomes
A UBC education will introduce you to people and ideas from around the world, open doors to new opportunities, and take you places you never imagined. You’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field, but also with the skills you need to continue growing, learning, and evolving.
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about Philosophy.
View full program details