Philosophy - BA (Hons)
Full-time formats:
• 4 Year
• 5-Year Co-op
Part-time format:
N/A
Requirements:
Grades-Only
Grade range:
Low 70s
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Experiential learning:
Co-op available
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Is this degree for you?
The great philosophers throughout history have taught us the importance of questioning everything. Questions about the meaning of life, the nature of beauty, the foundations of political power, the existence of God, the concepts of right and wrong, the essence of reality itself and our knowledge of it — these all lead us closer to understanding who we are and the world around us.
Experiential learning opportunities: Co-op available
In the Philosophy degree program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), you’ll learn to ask deeper questions, develop stronger arguments and write clearly. You’ll acquire the knowledge needed to understand the meaning of human existence, help solve social problems, and apply your studies and gain experience with optional paid co-op placements. You’ll graduate ready to apply analytical skills in a knowledge-based economy.
The Philosophy degree program is one of 12 bachelor of arts programs that share a one-year foundation.1
Double majors:
- Philosophy and English
- Philosophy and History
The following is a preview of first-year courses based on the available current academic undergraduate calendar for this program.
1st & 2nd Semester
REQUIRED GROUP 1: One course from the following:
- PHL 101 Plato and the Roots of Western Philosophy
- PHL 110 Philosophy of Religion I
- PHL 187 Classical Philosophy
- PHL 201 Problems in Philosophy
- PHL 212 Introductory Logic
- PHL 306 Freedom, Equality, Limits of Authority
- PHL 333 Philosophy of Human Nature
- PHL 365 Philosophy of Beauty
- PHL 366 Existentialism and Art and Culture
- PHL 406 Issues of Life, Death and Poverty
REQUIRED GROUP 2: Four courses from Table I.
OPEN ELECTIVES: Two Open Electives.
Career possibilities:
- Ethics and compliance officer
- Lawyer
- Mediation associate
- Policy advisor
- Teacher
Employer possibilities:
- Government of Ontario
- Government of Canada
- Law Society of Ontario
- Ministry of the Attorney General
- Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
TMU prof shares what music reveals about our roots
For many diasporic communities, music serves as a cultural bridge. TMU music and philosophy professor and composer, Peter Johnston, immerses students in forms of traditional and pre-industrial music from around the world.
Read more: Course explores how music connects us to the world
This is a Grades-Only program. Admission decisions for Grades-Only programs are based on academic performance.
Academic requirements for full-time, 4-year program
To be considered for admission, Ontario high school students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Completion of 6 Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 70%
- Completion of the following required Grade 12 U course with a minimum grade of 70%:
- English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
An overall average of 70% is required for consideration. Due to competition, the average needed for admission can fluctuate each year (it depends on the number of applications received and the number of spaces available). The grade range at the top of this page represents the average required in previous years.
Academic admission requirements for all other applicants are available on the admission requirements page. If you haven’t been educated in Ontario, you may be considered with the equivalent of the Ontario requirements. TMU reserves the right to determine equivalency at its sole discretion.
Tuition and fees range 2025-2026
For detailed fees info, visit tuition and fees by program and costs to expect.
Full-time format:
Ontario: $7,287 - $7,312
Out-of-province: $8,826 - $8,851
International: $36,818 - $36,843
Over $20M across all levels of study
We award more than $20M in awards, scholarships and bursaries throughout all years of study.
Find scholarships for you.
Explore financial assistance
Learn more about government financial aid programs like OSAP, out-of-province student loans and U.S. student loans.
Apply for financial assistance.
“Philosophy is the right program for if you have questions about the world and want to join a community of students and professors knowledgeable about the history of ideas who are exploring theoretical and pragmatic issues facing the world.”
- Alexander Casucci, Philosophy, Class of 2025
The Faculty of Arts programs combine a liberal arts education with something unique: Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)'s brand of relevant, practical learning that's designed to make you a well-rounded, informed human being who is also highly employable
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Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, TMU's current Undergraduate Calendar is the official reference.