
Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 2 yearsDuration
- Ottawa (main campus, 1125 Colonel By Drive), CanadaLocation
- PhilosophyField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (main campus, 1125 Colonel By Drive)Campus
- Master of ArtsAwards
- $20,402Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Carleton’s Department of Philosophy has two broad strengths: philosophy of mind, language and knowledge, on the one hand, and moral, social and political philosophy, on the other. Courses and research are also available in history of philosophy.
Read more
Our unique MA program combines both coursework and original research over two years. Students begin tackling graduate level work in a supportive and collegial proseminar, followed by a research seminar in which they develop plans for a thesis or research essay. An exciting variety of graduate seminars is offered, with new topics added every year. They have included: Kant, women and early modern philosophy, the Stoics on emotions, consciousness and agency, justice and equality, health and distributive justice, artificial intelligence, nature and critical theory, development ethics and philosophical naturalism. Students can also explore their research interests in small groups or one-to-one graduate tutorials with a faculty member. The two-year program provides a solid grounding in the contemporary state of the literature and equips students with the abilities needed to do original research. The breadth and depth provided through the MA program has allowed our students to secure admission into PhD programs, to have their papers accepted for conference presentations, to succeed in being awarded external scholarships, and to publish their research in scholarly articles.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modePathways: Research Essay, Thesis
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Master's programs: a 4-year (honours) bachelor's degree, B+ or better in the major subjects and B- or better overall. Source: https://graduate.carleton.ca/apply-online/minimum-requirements/ International applicants are assessed against Carleton's published country-by-country degree equivalency guidelines (https://graduate.carleton.ca/international/admission-requirements/); for several countries Carleton states that a three-year bachelor's degree from an institution meeting the Bologna Declaration criteria may be acceptable. Carleton states that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Carleton waives the graduate English test where the applicant has completed ESLA 1900 or ESLA 1905 at Carleton with a final grade of B- or higher, or presents official transcripts showing an undergraduate or graduate degree completed at a university in a country whose primary language is English, where the institution's language of instruction was English and the language of instruction in the most recently completed degree was English. Applicants presenting their most recent degree and transcripts from a Canadian institution are exempt unless an individual program requires otherwise. Carleton states that letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English are not acceptable. Source: https://graduate.carleton.ca/international/english-second-language/ · Application fee: CAD 125.00 non-refundable application fee (CAD 175.00 for the MBA program), payable to Carleton University by credit card after the online application is submitted. A separate application and a further fee are required for each additional program applied to. Carleton states application fees for graduate programs will not be waived. Source: https://graduate.carleton.ca/apply-online/ · Deposit: Carleton's Graduate Studies pages publish no admission or tuition deposit for graduate applicants. Carleton states that once an offer of admission is received the applicant has 21 days to accept it for most programs (https://graduate.carleton.ca/international/admission-requirements/). The CAD 2,000 international tuition deposit Carleton publishes is stated for undergraduate international students only.
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$20,402 CAD / year≈ $15,001 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsCarleton states that graduate applicants are automatically considered for admissions funding; its Graduate Studies pages cover admissions funding, external awards and government assistance. Carleton publishes no programme-specific international entrance scholarship amount for this programmeView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: International application deadlines published by Carleton Graduate Studies (https://graduate.carleton.ca/apply-online/deadlines-2/graduate-program-deadlines/) under field of study 'Philosophy': Master of Arts: Philosophy - Fall term: February 1; Graduate…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Philosophy (Master of Arts) cost?
CAD 20,402 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
2 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Master's programs: a 4-year (honours) bachelor's degree, B+ or better in the major subjects and B- or better overall. Source: https://graduate.carleton.ca/apply-online/minimum-requirements/ International applicants are assessed against Carleton's published country-by-country degree equivalency guidelines (https://graduate.carleton.ca/international/admission-requirements/); for several countries Carleton states that a three-year bachelor's degree from an institution meeting the Bologna Declaration criteria may be acceptable. Carleton states that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Carleton waives the graduate English test where the applicant has completed ESLA 1900 or ESLA 1905 at Carleton with a final grade of B- or higher, or presents official transcripts showing an undergraduate or graduate degree completed at a university in a country whose primary language is English, where the institution's language of instruction was English and the language of instruction in the most recently completed degree was English. Applicants presenting their most recent degree and transcripts from a Canadian institution are exempt unless an individual program requires otherwise. Carleton states that letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English are not acceptable. Source: https://graduate.carleton.ca/international/english-second-language/ · Application fee: CAD 125.00 non-refundable application fee (CAD 175.00 for the MBA program), payable to Carleton University by credit card after the online application is submitted. A separate application and a further fee are required for each additional program applied to. Carleton states application fees for graduate programs will not be waived. Source: https://graduate.carleton.ca/apply-online/ · Deposit: Carleton's Graduate Studies pages publish no admission or tuition deposit for graduate applicants. Carleton states that once an offer of admission is received the applicant has 21 days to accept it for most programs (https://graduate.carleton.ca/international/admission-requirements/). The CAD 2,000 international tuition deposit Carleton publishes is stated for undergraduate international students only.
Is there a scholarship?
Carleton states that graduate applicants are automatically considered for admissions funding; its Graduate Studies pages cover admissions funding, external awards and government assistance. Carleton publishes no programme-specific international entrance scholarship amount for this programme View scholarship page
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