Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy Program By University of Otago |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

36 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

32,620 NZDTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

15 Nov, 2023Application Deadline

Program overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

The skills and knowledge you gain from studying Philosophy will make you a better student in other subjects; they will also be invaluable in a wide variety of occupations because philosophy focuses less on what you believe and more on the quality of your reasons for believing it. By examining the reasons we have for the claims we make, philosophy develops your powers of argument, analysis, and critical reasoning. It will help you to express yourself more clearly and give you the abilities required to address complex and difficult problems. Philosophy provides a tool kit to critically engage with difficult and important questions. It seems that some actions are right and others are wrong but it is difficult to explain if this is because one produces better outcomes or the other respects humanity. It seems that some scientific claims are almost certainly true, but a crucial element of the success of science is its willingness to revise its claims in light of new evidence. It seems that there is little more to our brains than complex neural networks but how do these networks generate intense feelings? Discussing these abstract problems develops the philosophical tools necessary to deal with practical problems, such as whether an unpopular theory should be accepted, or to what extent we can appeal to common sense when arguing about a radical claim. In grappling with these issues philosophers seek to build a well-grounded picture of the world and of human life. The key skill for a philosopher is the ability to construct and dissect arguments, so a central part of all philosophy is training in clear and effective reasoning. The core philosophical disciplines focus on the nature of reasoning, knowledge and existence. But philosophical issues arise in many disciplines and professions (including law, medicine, business and science, among others).

Program overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

The skills and knowledge you gain from studying Philosophy will make you a better student in other subjects; they will also be invaluable in a wide variety of occupations because philosophy focuses less on what you believe and more on the quality of your reasons for believing it. By examining the reasons we have for the claims we make, philosophy develops your powers of argument, analysis, and critical reasoning. It will help you to express yourself more clearly and give you the abilities required to address complex and difficult problems. Philosophy provides a tool kit to critically engage with difficult and important questions. It seems that some actions are right and others are wrong but it is difficult to explain if this is because one produces better outcomes or the other respects humanity. It seems that some scientific claims are almost certainly true, but a crucial element of the success of science is its willingness to revise its claims in light of new evidence. It seems that there is little more to our brains than complex neural networks but how do these networks generate intense feelings? Discussing these abstract problems develops the philosophical tools necessary to deal with practical problems, such as whether an unpopular theory should be accepted, or to what extent we can appeal to common sense when arguing about a radical claim. In grappling with these issues philosophers seek to build a well-grounded picture of the world and of human life. The key skill for a philosopher is the ability to construct and dissect arguments, so a central part of all philosophy is training in clear and effective reasoning. The core philosophical disciplines focus on the nature of reasoning, knowledge and existence. But philosophical issues arise in many disciplines and professions (including law, medicine, business and science, among others).

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

6+
12+
1190+
50+
24+
176+
80+
74+
GCE A Levels must normally achieve at least 3 A Level passes with at least one grade at level C or above to be considered for admission at entrance level.
15 Nov 2023
3 Years
Feb
Jul

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

6,367 NZD
-

International Students

32,620 NZD
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and the first choice for more than 20,000 students.

Gathered from all over New Zealand and around the world, students at Otago soon become part of a tradition of innovation and enjoy the benefits of a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. Otago’s position at the forefront of modern scholarship is based on its long and respected history as well as the latest in groundbreaking research and vibrant education.

That’s why Otago is able to attract first-rate academics, and why Otago graduates find their degrees open doors around the world. Lots of employers say that they choose Otago graduates because they show real independence and an ability to hit the ground running. Otago’s degrees are challenging and relevant to the modern world, so you can be confident that you can lay the foundations of a successful career.

But student life is not all work. Otago is also famous for its campus lifestyle, where you can work, play and live in a safe and welcoming environment (all within about a three-kilometre radius from its Dunedin campus). You’ll never regret choosing the quality all round experience that only Otago can offer.

The University of Otago provides excellent opportunities for students considering postgraduate study in Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities or Business.

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university, but it is also a place that prepares students for the demands of the 21st century. Otago is highly committed to using our research strengths to improve the health, prosperity and well-being of people in New Zealand and around the world.

Otago is New Zealand's leading postgraduate university, with unrivalled access to world-class research teams and academic leaders. For every 100 postgraduate students, we have 20 or more research-active staff who are leaders in their disciplines.

As well as our main campus in Dunedin, Australasia's only true university city, we have postgraduate study options in our Wellington and Christchurch Medical and Health Science campuses, and by Distance Learning.

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