Philosophy

We offer M.A. (thesis optional) programmes. Currently, most MA students elect the course-only option, which is especially appropriate for students entering with an interdisciplinary background.

The Department of Philosophy is an active, mid-sized department that has broad interests in philosophical issues within the Anglo-American analytic tradition. Members of the department are engaged in research in philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, aesthetics, ethics, social/political philosophy, logic, Indian philosophy and the history of philosophy.

M.A. Requirements (Course Only Option)

• one year’s residency at UBC
• ten one-term courses, including eight at or above the 500 level

M.A. Requirements (Thesis Option)

• one year’s residency at UBC
• six one-term courses, including four at or above the 500 level
• a thesis prospectus (normally submitted in April for consideration in early May)
• a thesis of approximately 20,000 words

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:A. 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, ORB. 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 logic6 credits at the upper level in the history of philosophy3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80