Program details
The Department of Philosophy offers programs of study leading to a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy.
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Expected duration: 1-2 years
Tuition and fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)
In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section, students must complete the following requirements from one of three program options.
Thesis option
Students in the thesis option must:
- Complete 15 credit hours of philosophy courses
- Complete and successfully defend a thesis
Research papers option
Students in the research papers option must:
- Complete 18 credit hours of philosophy courses
- Complete two individual research papers
Coursework option
Students in the thesis option must:
- Complete 24 credit hours of philosophy courses
Every candidate for the Master's degree in philosophy must satisfy a competency requirement in formal logic.
Sample course offerings:
- PHIL 7110: Graduate Seminar (6 credit hours)
- PHIL 7120: Graduate Reading 1 (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 7140: Epistemology (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 7160: Metaphysics (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 7210: Topics in Ethics 2 (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 7230: Topics in Logic and the Philosophy of Logic 2 (3 credit hours)
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Graduate advisors
Visit our graduate student resources section for more information on finding a graduate advisor and the diversity of our research interests.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
To be considered for admission to the philosophy master's program, you must have a four-year Bachelor of Arts with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two full years (60 credit hours) of study.
How to apply
The Master's in Philosophy program accepts applications for Fall and Winter entry. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
- Short writing sample
- Cover letter
- Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.
Application deadlines
Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.
| Term | Annual application deadlines |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | December 1 |
| Winter (January) | March 1 |
| Term | Annual application deadlines |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | December 1 |
| Winter (January) | March 1 |
*Please note that all applicants can apply directly to a graduate program and for a study visa. Applicants are not required to use an Educational Agent or any other intermediary, and no fee is required for the application except as noted on this page.
Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts
450 University College
220 Dysart Road
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M8
philosophy@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-8426