Economics and Philosophy

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy at The University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of two fundamental fields: economics and philosophy. This unique combination equips students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad perspective on economic issues, ethical considerations, and the philosophical foundations underlying them. The program aims to develop well-rounded graduates prepared for diverse careers in public policy, business, law, academia, and beyond.

The curriculum offers a balanced mix of courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, game theory, and econometrics alongside key philosophical disciplines such as ethics, logic, epistemology, and the history of philosophy. Core economics courses enable students to analyze markets, economic behavior, and policy implications, while philosophical courses encourage careful reasoning, argumentation, and moral reflection. Students also have opportunities to engage in specialized topics such as political philosophy, philosophy of mind, and contemporary ethical issues, fostering critical inquiry and intellectual versatility.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, preparing them to interpret data, construct arguments, and contribute thoughtfully to societal debates. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary analysis, ethical reasoning, and understanding the complex interplay of economic systems and philosophical principles in shaping modern societies.

By completing this program, graduates will have gained a solid foundation in both disciplines, along with the ability to think critically about economic policies and ethical dilemmas. They will be well-equipped to pursue graduate studies, professional careers, or further research in areas such as economics, philosophy, law, public administration, or international relations. The UBC Vancouver interdisciplinary approach aims to cultivate thoughtful, engaged, and responsible citizens capable of addressing the pressing challenges of contemporary society with intellectual rigor and ethical integrity.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy at The University of British Columbia offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of two fundamental fields. This program combines the rigor of economic theory and quantitative analysis with the ethical, philosophical, and conceptual inquiry typical of philosophy, preparing students for diverse career paths or advanced study.

Throughout the program, students explore core economic principles including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and international economics. These courses provide the tools necessary to analyze economic systems, evaluate policies, and understand market behaviors. Simultaneously, the philosophy component encourages students to examine fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and logic. Courses in this area delve into moral philosophy, political philosophy, epistemology, and metaphysics, fostering critical reasoning and argumentative skills.

This interdisciplinary approach allows students to appreciate the complexities of economic and social issues from multiple perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the development of analytical skills such as logical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and the ability to apply philosophical theories to real-world economic problems. The program also includes opportunities for research projects, seminars, and discussions, which develop communication skills and depth of understanding.

Students can tailor their educational experience with elective courses within the departments or related fields, and participate in internship programs, fostering practical skills and professional development. The program prepares graduates for careers in public policy, economics, business, law, academia, or further study in graduate or professional schools. Graduates leave equipped with a unique combination of analytical, ethical, and conceptual skills, enabling them to address complex societal issues with informed perspectives and responsible judgment.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy at the University of British Columbia requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of both economic theories and philosophical concepts. The program typically involves a combination of courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods, along with foundational and advanced philosophy courses covering ethical theories, logic, epistemology, and political philosophy. Students are expected to fulfill both core and elective requirements, with a set number of credits in each category to ensure a balanced education across disciplines. The core economics courses usually include introductory and intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, as well as statistics and mathematics courses necessary for economic modeling and analysis. Philosophy requirements often include courses in introductory philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, and philosophy of science, with options to pursue specialized topics such as political philosophy or philosophy of mind. Students must also complete capstone projects or seminars that integrate knowledge from both fields to demonstrate their ability to apply philosophical reasoning to economic issues and vice versa. Language proficiency or additional electives may be required depending on the year of entry. Overall, students are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary thinking, participate in seminars and workshops, and gain practical experience through internships or research projects. Graduates of the program will possess a versatile skill set suitable for careers in public policy, economic analysis, law, academia, or further graduate studies. The program emphasizes depth of knowledge, analytical rigor, and ethical awareness, enabling students to critically evaluate complex issues from economic and philosophical perspectives.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Funding options for the Economics and Philosophy program at The University of British Columbia – Vancouver include a diverse range of financial aid opportunities designed to support students throughout their academic journey. First-year students are encouraged to apply for entrance scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships provide a significant financial boost and are renewable, contingent upon maintaining specified academic standards. Additionally, students can explore departmental scholarships specific to the Faculty of Arts, which recognize outstanding performance in Economics and Philosophy courses.

For undergraduate students demonstrating financial need, UBC offers need-based bursaries and grants that can substantially reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses. To access these funds, students must complete the provincial and university financial aid application forms, providing detailed information about their financial situation. Furthermore, numerous external scholarship opportunities are available through government programs, private organizations, and community foundations, many of which are accessible to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Work-study programs at UBC provide part-time employment opportunities on or near campus, allowing students to earn income while gaining valuable work experience. These positions are often flexible and designed to accommodate academic schedules, particularly for students enrolled in demanding programs like Economics and Philosophy. Moreover, students are encouraged to consider federal and provincial student loan programs, which offer low-interest loans with various repayment options. Eligibility and application procedures for loans are clearly outlined on the UBC and respective government websites.

Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in Economics and Philosophy may have access to assistantships, research grants, and fellowships. These funding sources not only help cover tuition costs but also provide stipends to support research activities. International students are advised to seek scholarship and bursary options specifically available to non-Canadian citizens, as well as opportunities for external funding.

Financial planning resources, including workshops and counseling services, are available to help students budget effectively and plan their finances. UBC's commitment to equitable access ensures that all students have pathways to funding, supporting a diverse and vibrant academic community in Economics and Philosophy.

Economics and Philosophy at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver is a multidisciplinary undergraduate program that combines the analytical rigor of economics with the critical examination of philosophical questions. This joint major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, models, and policy issues, alongside a deep engagement with philosophical problems such as ethics, epistemology, and logic. The program aims to develop students' critical thinking, argumentation, and analytical skills, preparing them for diverse careers in academia, public policy, law, business, and other fields that require both quantitative and qualitative reasoning.

The curriculum typically includes core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, alongside courses in moral philosophy, epistemology, logic, and the history of philosophy. Students are encouraged to pursue electives that complement their primary areas of interest, including political philosophy, philosophy of science, or further economic specialization. The program’s structure allows flexibility for students to tailor their educational paths, integrating coursework from both departments.

Students enrolled in the Economics and Philosophy program benefit from the strong research-oriented environment at UBC, with access to faculty members who are experts in their fields. They may participate in seminars, research projects, and collaborative activities that enhance their learning experience. The university’s vibrant academic community and numerous resources—such as libraries, research centers, and career services—support student development.

Graduates of the program are equipped with the analytical and ethical reasoning skills necessary for careers in law, public policy, economics, philosophy, education, and beyond. Many students choose to continue to graduate studies in related fields, leveraging their interdisciplinary background to pursue advanced research or professional training. Overall, the Economics and Philosophy program at UBC Vancouver offers a rigorous academic foundation and prepares students for thoughtful engagement with complex societal issues and diverse professional settings.