Undergraduate
Philosophy
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- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
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- Peterborough & Durham GTA
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- Paid Co-op Available
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Humanities & Social Sciences (Arts)
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Campus Peterborough Durham GTA
- Work Experience Paid Co-op Available
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RPH - Peterborough RPI - Peterborough co-op ROF - Durham GTA
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Explore life’s biggest questions in small, discussion-driven classes while building powerful thinking and communication skills, gaining hands-on experience and growing your professional network.
Consider questions about reality, knowledge, ethics and human existence while learning to analyze complex ideas, challenge assumptions, and build persuasive arguments. Put your thinking into practice through paid work experience, research, conferences, and student-led events. Along the way, build connections with faculty, professionals and a successful alumni network that includes international bestselling author Yann Martel, while preparing for diverse careers or further study.
- Gain hands-on research experience with leading faculty, including the Kenneth Mark Drain Chair in Ethics.
- Join the conversation beyond the classroom through regional, national and international conferences, and events like the Gilbert Ryle Lecture Series and The Groarke Debate.
- Graduate with 12 months of paid work experience through Philosophy co-op stream, putting your skills into practice in a variety of workplace settings.
- Earn a B.A. and LL.B. in just six years through the Trent/Swansea dual-degree pathway, combining studies at Trent with the opportunity to live, learn, travel, and experience life abroad in Wales.
Program Possibilites
Specialize your studies in Philosophy with a focus on a specific field within your degree
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Ethics
Examine the moral code of conduct that defines right and wrong human behaviour. This specialization gives Philosophy majors a solid foundation in ethical theory and applied ethics, preparing you for a variety of careers in law, medicine, technology, government, and all sectors of business.
Add an Option to your Philosophy degree to explore an additional area of interest
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Applied Ethics
With courses grounded in critical thinking, ethical theory, and applied ethics, this option is ideal if you are interested in everything from advocacy and public policy issues to working in the fields of medicine, law, environmental resource management, business, and computing.
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Legal Studies
Understanding the legal system in Canada is valuable for everyone, not just lawyers and policy makers. A complement to virtually any B.A. or B.Sc. degree, this option provides students with fundamental knowledge about Canadian law. You’ll learn about rights and freedoms, what it takes to draft and pass new laws, and how the law influences and is influenced by society and culture.
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Pre-Modern Studies
Enhance your understanding of the thought, literature, and history of the pre-industrial (pre-1800) world. The study of historical culture in world civilizations from antiquity through early modernity will allow you to better understand the origins and development of culture informing modern global society.
Career experience while you learn
Every Philosophy student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Paid Co-op Available
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree
- Work in areas such as community development, libraries/museums/archives, social justice, policy analysis, and technical writing.
Research Opportunities
- Gain research experience alongside leading faculty, including the Kenneth Mark Drain Chair in Ethics.
- Take your research into the community, earning credit toward your degree while working with a local organization.
- Present your research at the annual Trent Philosophy Society Student Symposium or at regional, national and international conferences and symposiums.
Study Abroad
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Internships
- Gain paid professional experience through internships in government and the public sector. Opportunities include Broadview Press, with exposure to editorial, production, marketing and book promotion, as well as programs and organizations such as the Ontario Internship Program and W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics.
Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Foreign Service Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Arbitrator
- Teacher
In Their Own Words
I eventually just kind of had an epiphany – you know what, Philosophy is what I enjoy doing, and I’m going to pursue that... I would just say the skills it’s taught me, honestly, the critical thinking ability and the analytical thinking ability I value a lot.
Drake Sullivan
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students