Philosophy

at UBC's

Okanagan Campus

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.

This program is also offered at UBC's Vancouver Campus
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Why this program?

  • 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.
  • Participate or watch as two debate teams face off on public issues before a panel of judges at the Roger Watts Debates.
  • Attend seminars with visiting speakers from prominent academic institutions, industry, and government.
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Program information

  • Campus: Okanagan
  • Faculty: Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  • Length 4 yrs
  • Co-op Yes
    You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours No
    You can study intense specialization in a single field.

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 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 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 political science working with students and community stakeholders on some truly exciting research and community events, including the annual Roger Watts Debate and a recent symposium on Nuclear North Korea that brought in leading experts to share their views on one of the most critical global issues today.

Life at UBC's Okanagan campus

UBC's Okanagan campus is renowned for its research opportunities and access to professors. Students here can also branch out, network, and meet people with similar interests in various clubs on campus, such as the Philosophy course union.

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Your future

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.

Program requirements

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
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