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  3. Philosophy

Philosophy

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. 

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.

Locations
Peterborough
Durham GTA
Co-op available
Available
Experiential Learning

Gain valuable career experience while earning academic credit.

Requirements
Tabs
  • Ontario
  • Non-Ontario
  • International
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Mature
  • Transfer

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 RequirementsRecommended Admission RequirementsEstimated Admission AverageCo-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

Requirements

International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.

Requirements

Requirements

IB students apply to Trent based on the overall score in their diploma.

Requirements

Requirements

Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.

Requirements

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.

Requirements

New
No
Specialization
Ethics
Level of Study
Undergraduate
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.

Start Terms
Fall
Winter
Summer
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Time dedication
Part time/Full time
Area
Humanities & Social Sciences (Arts)
Gallery
Gallery Video
Testimonial
Image
Image
Drake Sullivan
Title
Drake Sullivan

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.

Co-op Location
Peterborough
Credential Type
Undergraduate Degree
Careers List
Lawyer
Foreign Service Officer
Intelligence Analyst
Arbitrator
Teacher
Policy Analyst
Public Affairs Officer
Legislative Assistant
OUAC Code
RPH - Peterborough
RPI - Peterborough co-op
ROF - Durham GTA
Program Website
https://www.trentu.ca/philosophy/
Experiential Points
  • 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.
Paid Co-op Available
  • 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. 
Research Opportunities
  • 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. 
Study Abroad
  • 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.
Internships
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Applied Ethics
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We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

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