Faculty
Learn about faculty in the Department of Philosophy. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
Philosophy scholars pursue questions of truth at the root of virtually all academic investigation in science and the humanities. Our philosophy graduate program is one of Canada's finest, garnering international recognition. Through their dedication to academic excellence, our doctoral supervisors and students maintain a PhD program that is one of Canada's top five.
The program has a strong placement record for graduates of both the PhD and MA. While many graduates pursue academic careers, the PhD in philosophy can lead to careers in consulting, public policy and research. Students accepted into this highly competitive PhD program will engage with a vibrant philosophical community supplemented with a visiting speaker series and regular research group meetings.
Completing this program
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Core Course: Graduate Proseminar, usually taken in the first year.
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Logic: Students must show competence in logic.
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Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
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Additional Courses: Topics may include philosophy of science, history of philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy of language, epistemology, logic and more.
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Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
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Professional skills: Students take the required Research and Professional Development seminar after they have advanced to candidacy.
Outcomes
Academia, law, public policy, research analysis, consulting, publishing.
A PhD in philosophy is usually considered a final degree.
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Admission Requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
Applicants hold a four-year undergraduate degree with honours or a major in philosophy; however, applicants with a degree in a related academic field will be considered.
Work samples
A sample of written work, such as a recent essay, written in English.
The sample should be 10-15 pages including bibliography, prepared for anonymous review.
Documents
None
Reference letters
Three
Test scores
None
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 97.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0.
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (no less than 70 in each section).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
- Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 135* (with no sub-score below 115*).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 191.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in writing and oral communication courses/B+ in other courses.
Deadlines
For Admission September 1:
January 6
Canadians and permanent residents are strongly urged to apply for SSHRC scholarships in the Fall prior to application.
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
Related programs
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