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Philosophy - Graduate studies

Philosophy is the oldest academic discipline, having given birth over two millennia to logic, ethics, physics, psychology, computer science, the last two in the last century alone. While philosophers themselves quarrel about the nature of the subject, this is because it is the discipline that must ask foundational questions concerning all forms of knowledge, including itself.

Philosophy has disparate branches; to name a few: ethics, political philosophy, logic, philosophy of language and of mind, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of the natural and social sciences, aesthetics. What seems to unite them is their concern with questions not normally answerable by science or empirical investigation alone; hence their reliance on abstract thought, and emphasis on conceptual and logical clarity.

Why choose this program

students
The training in argumentative clarity that is basic to philosophy explains why disciplines such as law value philosophy degrees so highly. Many philosophy graduates who do not pursue philosophy as a career find their philosophical training invaluable as a pathway to careers in law, politics, psychology, linguistics, mathematics, computer science, and the natural sciences. Others pursue careers in philosophy and retain a life-long interest in its subject matter. Indeed, philosophy has had a profound influence on the past century, from the invention of computers to the movements for gender equality, animal rights, and multicultural accommodation, and on debates over democracy, liberty and equality, world poverty and global responsibility, abortion, linguistic meaning and truth, and the nature of consciousness.
Our faculty has diverse interests, and a wide range of expertise in contemporary philosophy as well as the history of philosophy. Both the analytic and continental traditions are well-represented. The entire faculty is bilingual, and the department offers programs and courses in both English and French.

Browse program options

Master’s programs in philosophy

The MA in philosophy offers students the opportunity to pursue the discipline in an intense and sustained way, acquiring knowledge and a set of skills that are valuable for future work either within or outside the university. A number of graduates from our program enroll in doctoral programs both here and abroad, while others pursue careers in education, law, government, and other areas.

The MA with thesis is a two-year program, in which students take four seminars, and then write and defend a thesis proposal and a thesis. A substantial stand-alone degree, it also provides excellent preparation for doctoral studies.

Short duration master’s

We also offer an MA by coursework. This is a one-year program, in which students complete eight seminars.

Overview

  • Courses (12 months)
  • Full- or part-time enrolment
  • In-person courses
  • September or January start

Finally, an accelerated route leading from the MA program into the PhD program is also available. Students choosing this option are considered for the PhD after taking six courses and writing a major research paper.

More details on these programs are available at these pages: 

Philosophy MA.

Course Sequence
 

Collaborative master’s programs

The department also offers two collaborative MA programs, which combine Philosophy with either Medieval and Renaissance Studies or Women's Studies. In these programs, students take three Philosophy seminars, two graduate courses in a second discipline, and write a thesis based on interdisciplinary research. More details on these programs are available at these pages:

Collaborative MA in Medieval and Renaissance StudiesCollaborative MA in Women's Studies

After your studies

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After completing a Master’s in Philosophy, you can pursue careers in education, law, public policy, government, research, publishing, communications, or ethics consulting. The program develops highly valued skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and persuasive communication, preparing you to address complex issues in a wide range of professional settings. Graduates may also continue their studies at the doctoral level and pursue academic careers in philosophy or related disciplines. The versatility of philosophical training opens doors to careers in both the public and private sectors, where strong analytical and decision-making abilities are in high demand.
Potential Career Paths

Career development and experiential learning

Distinguish your professional or academic profile at one of Canada’s top 10 research institutes. The University of Ottawa’s diverse range of programs allows you to choose a formula that improves your employment prospects and fits your lifestyle.
safa

Student association of the faculty of arts (SAFA)

SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.
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Colloquium series

Every year, the department of philosophy offers to its community a series of lectures given by local and guests scholars.
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Graduate Students and De Philosophia Graduate Conference

The Graduate Philosophy Student Association represents Graduate Students and holds conferences and events for the Department of Philosophy where students can engage with other scholars on a handful of topics and inquiries.

Contact us

Department of Philosophy

Desmarais Building, room 8101
55 Laurier Ave. East
Ottawa ON Canada, K1N 6N5
Map

Tel.: 613-562-5711
Fax: 613-562-5135
[email protected]

Office hours

Monday to Friday
From 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
(June to August: closed at 3:30 p.m.)