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Philosophy (MA)

Part of the Faculty of Arts

Philosophy students in the department of philosophy meeting room

Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: Master of Arts

Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Philosophy is a rising centre of excellence in the North American philosophical community. This innovative and intensive program contributes to the thriving research culture in Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Focused on core areas of philosophy, the program enables students to augment their undergraduate experience and pursue doctoral studies.

A series of Philosophy books

At a Glance

MA

  • Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study (3.33/4.33 GPA (B+) strongly recommended)
  • Statement of interest
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Sample of work
  • English language proficiency requirement

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

  • 19th-Century Philosophy
  • Aesthetics
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Canadian Philosophy
  • Contemporary Continental Philosophy
  • Existentialism
  • Metaphysics
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Phenomenology
  • Philosophy of the Environment
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Law
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Philosophy of Religion
  • Social and Political Philosophy
  • Experience with diverse philosophical approaches: faculty have a record of excellence in teaching and research in both the analytic and continental traditions of philosophy.
  • Solid preparation for PhD study in philosophy: students have been accepted to PhD programs at Oxford, the University of Toronto, Western, McGill, King’s College (London), Duquesne, UCLA and other schools.
  • Engagement with prominent figures in contemporary philosophy: each semester, the department hosts philosophers from across Canada, Britain and the United States, who lecture and engage with students in small seminars.
  • Opportunities to develop teaching skills through a combination of classroom experiences, teaching and research assistantships.

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. David Ciavatta
Graduate Program Director
BA Hon., PhD
Research areas: Kant and 19th Century Continental Philosophy; Existentialism and Phenomenology; Philosophy of Art
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552698
Email: david.ciavatta@torontomu.ca

Malu Maia
Graduate Program Administrator
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552711
Email: philosophyma@torontomu.ca

“[TMU]’s professors and student community have fostered my growth as both a student and professional. The summer area readings gave me the fulfilling opportunity to work closely with a professor in my area of research and served as the foundation for my major research project.”

Dwayne Ford, MA student
Madeline Lay presenting at the fall convocation  (external link) 

Student Profile (external link) 

The strong faculty community encouraged Madelaine Ley (philosophy MA alumna) to pursue innovative, cross-disciplinary research in bioethics, to make positive change in the world.

Graduate Academic Calendar

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Philosophy (MA).

How to Apply

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.