University of Ottawa

Overview

The Bachelor’s programme in Ethics and Political Philosophy at the University of Ottawa equips students with the skills to critically analyze moral and political issues through rigorous philosophical approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the application of ethical reasoning in various fields, including public policy, law, technology, healthcare, and social justice.

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational courses in ethics and political philosophy with electives that link philosophical principles to contemporary institutional and policy challenges. The curriculum may include:

• Core areas:
  • Moral philosophy, focusing on ethical theories and argumentation
  • Political philosophy, exploring concepts like power, legitimacy, justice, and rights
  • Applied ethics, addressing how ethical frameworks can solve practical dilemmas
• Common course examples:
  • Political Philosophy: Classical to Contemporary
  • Ethics and Public Policy
  • Human Rights and Justice
  • Feminist Political Thought
  • Philosophy of Law
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Health Care Ethics
  • Ethics and Business
  • Ethics and Law
  • Governance and Public Affairs
  • Ethics and the Sciences
• Learning activities: Engage in seminar-style discussions, critical reading, structured academic writing, and argument analysis.
• Capstone / thesis: Please confirm the inclusion of a capstone project, honours thesis, or any culminating course specific to your academic track.

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme is determined by evaluating your previous academic records and the overall strength of your application. Specific standardized test requirements, such as GRE or GMAT, are not currently mandated for this programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Ethics and Political Philosophy programme can pursue a variety of career paths in sectors such as public policy, law, education, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy. The analytical and ethical reasoning skills developed during the course prepare students for roles that require critical thinking and ethical decision-making in complex societal contexts.