Philosophy

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Campus: St. John's Faculty: Humanities and Social Sciences
Department: Philosophy Honours available: Yes
Degree(s): Bachelor of arts; International bachelor of arts; Joint arts and science degree
Length: Four years
Fill out our student inquiry form to receive updates from Memorial. 


Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, truth, beauty, law, justice, validity, mind and language. Philosophers aim to understand reality, clarify the nature of interactions between individuals and society, and to come to terms with problems of existence and ultimate value.

Philosophy at Memorial

Memorial’s Department of Philosophy aims to develop students’ intellectual abilities through examining different answers that philosophers have given to fundamental questions in order to develop a critical and systemic approach toward investigating reality and experience that relies on reasoned arguments.

Admission requirements

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of arts as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission. Direct entry into the faculty is subject to your meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University.

You may choose philosophy as your major at the time of application or you can explore your options and declare a major in a later semester by emailing registrar@mun.ca to make your choice official.

Sample first year

Wondering what courses you would take in your first year? Check out a sample program of suggested courses for philosophy students.

Sample courses and degree map

PHIL 2030 - Logic
PHIL 2130 - Environmental Ethics
PHIL 3430 - Existentialism

Philosophy degree map

Degree maps are navigational tools, designed to help you make the right choices throughout your bachelor of arts degree. They cover information pertaining to your studies, provide study tips, career guidance, suggestions for involvement, advice on go abroad activities and on your well being.

Career opportunities

A bachelor of arts degree, with a major in philosophy, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

  • arts consultant
  • journalist
  • public policy manager

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.