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    Study philosophy abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying philosophy as an international student.

    Find philosophy programs

    Explore philosophy programs abroad

    See other programs in philosophy

    Philosophy degrees abroad

    Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions relating to the nature of knowledge, morality, values, reality, reason and god. While studying philosophy, you’ll navigate your way through some of life’s trickiest concepts by using research, critical thinking and reasoned arguments.

    Philosophy is one of the oldest academic disciplines, having been founded by the ancient Greeks in the 6th Century BC. As a philosophy student today, you’ll be tasked with examining ideas that have perplexed academics for thousands of years, as well as debating more recent critical thought.

    We are creatures of habit and products of our environment, that’s why studying philosophy abroad is such a great idea. By immersing yourself in a new culture with differing perspectives, you’ll be challenged to reassess your own worldview so that you become a more experienced, creative and critical philosopher.

    Philosophy program structure

    As an international student, you can study philosophy at bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. At undergraduate level, philosophy can be offered as either a BA or BSc, so it’s important to make sure you choose the course that most interests you.

    Philosophy is a far-reaching academic field, so it’s no surprise that elements of it can be found in other programs like English, politics, sociology and history. As such, you can often choose to study philosophy alongside another related subject at undergraduate level.

    If you choose to study in the US, you’ll probably follow the liberal arts model and select philosophy as your four-year undergraduate major. This means that you’ll work on your general studies and a few philosophy classes in your first two years, before focusing completely on philosophy in your final two years.

    The structure of teaching and assessment will depend on your program and university, but it will usually involve attending lectures, seminars and tutorials, working on group projects, preparing and delivering presentations, writing essays and sitting exams.

    The content and structure of every philosophy degree will be different, but most degrees will share core areas of study, including:

    • Ethics
    • Political philosophy
    • Epistemology
    • Metaphysics
    • Theory of knowledge
    • Feminism
    • Ancient philosophy
    Philosophy program structure

    As an international student, you can study philosophy at bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. At undergraduate level, philosophy can be offered as either a BA or BSc, so it’s important to make sure you choose the course that most interests you.

    Philosophy is a far-reaching academic field, so it’s no surprise that elements of it can be found in other programs like English, politics, sociology and history. As such, you can often choose to study philosophy alongside another related subject at undergraduate level.

    If you choose to study in the US, you’ll probably follow the liberal arts model and select philosophy as your four-year undergraduate major. This means that you’ll work on your general studies and a few philosophy classes in your first two years, before focusing completely on philosophy in your final two years.

    The structure of teaching and assessment will depend on your program and university, but it will usually involve attending lectures, seminars and tutorials, working on group projects, preparing and delivering presentations, writing essays and sitting exams.

    The content and structure of every philosophy degree will be different, but most degrees will share core areas of study, including:

    • Ethics
    • Political philosophy
    • Epistemology
    • Metaphysics
    • Theory of knowledge
    • Feminism
    • Ancient philosophy

    Types of philosophy degrees

    Best countries to study philosophy

    Best universities to study philosophy

    See all universities offering philosophy programs

    How to study philosophy abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

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    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Philosophy study abroad programs

    Philosophy undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in philosophy

    • false

      Philosophy with Spanish - BA University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,762 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,275 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Philosophy with Spanish
    • false

      Theology: Minor in Philosophy - BA Dominican University College, Canada
      • Blended learning

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,458 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,120 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Theology: Minor in Philosophy
    • false

      Bioscience and Philosophy - BSc/BA Lipscomb University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      30,860 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 30,860 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Bioscience and Philosophy
    • false

      Mathematics and Philosophy - Dual BA (Hons) Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,642 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 20,609 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Mathematics and Philosophy
    • false

      History and Philosophy - BA University of Birmingham, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,722 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,700 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about History and Philosophy
    See all bachelor's degrees in philosophy

    Associate in philosophy

    • false

      Philosophy - AA North Seattle College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      April, January, September, June
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy - AA Santiago Canyon College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,304 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD

      Start date
      August, June, February
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,044 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD

      Start date
      May, January, September
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy - AA Douglas College, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,348 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy - AA Seattle Central College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      September, June, April, January
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    See all associate degrees in philosophy

    Certificate in philosophy

    • false

      Philosophy - Cert Dominican University College, Canada
      • Blended learning

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      10,458 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,120 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    See all undergraduate certificates in philosophy

    Philosophy graduate programs

    Master's in philosophy

    • false

      Applied Philosophy and Ethics - MA Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Applied Philosophy and Ethics
    • false

      Communication - Rhetoric and Philosophy of Technology - MA Duquesne University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,655 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,655 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Communication - Rhetoric and Philosophy of Technology
    • false

      European Philosophy with French - MA (Hons) University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,762 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,275 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about European Philosophy with French
    • false

      Philosophy, Politics and Economics - MA (with foundation) Maynooth University, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,740 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,000 EUR

      Start date
      September, June, January
      Show program overview about Philosophy, Politics and Economics
    • false

      Philosophy - MPhil (Research) London Metropolitan University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,225 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,250 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    See all master's degrees in philosophy

    Doctorate in philosophy

    • false

      Philosophy - PhD Dominican University College, Canada
      • Blended learning

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,680 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy - PhD London Metropolitan University, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,877 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,270 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy - PhD (with foundation) Maynooth University, Ireland

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,740 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,000 EUR

      Start date
      September, June, January
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy - PhD Duquesne University, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,112 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,112 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Philosophy
    • false

      Philosophy (Business and Informatics) - PhD Central Queensland University, Australia

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,352 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 25,324 AUD

      Start date
      July, November, March
      Show program overview about Philosophy (Business and Informatics)
    See all doctorates in philosophy

    Future philosophy careers

    A degree in philosophy will equip you with transferable tools that you can use to pursue almost any career. With skills in critical thinking, research, persuasion, problem-solving, analysis and creativity, you’ll be well placed to excel in the following roles:

    • Teacher
    • Lawyer
    • Barrister
    • Diplomat
    • Politician
    • Civil servant
    • Journalist
    • Humanitarian aid worker

    Using your free time and university holidays to complete placements and internships will help you to get a head start in your chosen field. Most universities will have a career advice service to support you with preparing CVs and applying for roles.