B.A. Philosophy

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Philosophy > B.A. Philosophy

Suppose you are curious about the big questions of life, about knowledge, morality, truth, justice, human existence, and the nature of reality. In that case, the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy provides the ideal environment to explore these ideas critically and intelligently. Philosophy trains you to think clearly, argue logically, and analyse complex issues from different perspectives. 

As a philosophy student at OOU, you will learn how to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, communicate ideas effectively, and solve problems through reasoned judgment. These skills prepare you for leadership roles in education, law, governance, media, business, and any field that requires deep thinking and sound decision-making.

This programme is designed to help you understand the foundations of human thought, engage with global intellectual traditions, and apply philosophical reasoning to contemporary issues in Nigeria and the wider world.

Course Overview

The B.A. Philosophy programme offers a comprehensive exploration of philosophical ideas, theories, and traditions. You will study major branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, logic, social and political philosophy, African philosophy, and the philosophy of science.

The programme helps you develop strong analytical and interpretive skills by examining the works of influential thinkers across different eras and cultures. You will learn how philosophical inquiry shapes human understanding and how philosophical reasoning can be used to address present-day social, political, cultural, and ethical challenges.

Through lectures, seminars, tutorials, debates, and research projects, you will engage with classical and contemporary philosophical thought, gaining intellectual tools that are valuable in both academic and professional contexts. 

Course Curriculum

The B.A. Philosophy curriculum follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), offering a balanced combination of historical study, conceptual analysis, and applied reasoning. 

You will begin with foundational courses that introduce you to core philosophical ideas and methods, such as:

  1. Introduction to Philosophy
  2. Elementary Logic and Critical Thinking
  3. Ethics and Moral Philosophy
  4. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  5. Communication in English
  6. Introduction to African Civilisations

These courses help you build essential skills in reasoning, argumentation, writing, and cultural awareness.

In your second year, you will deepen your understanding of major philosophical concepts through courses such as:

  1. History of Western Philosophy (Ancient and Medieval)
  2. Logic and Scientific Inquiry
  3. Social and Political Philosophy
  4. Introduction to African Philosophy
  5. Philosophy of Religion
  6. Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities

This level strengthens your analytical abilities and exposes you to global and African intellectual traditions.

Your third year introduces advanced theoretical and applied courses, including:

  1. Modern Philosophy
  2. Epistemology
  3. Metaphysics
  4. Philosophy of Science and Technology
  5. Applied Ethics
  6. Research Methodology in the Arts

You will engage with complex philosophical problems and begin developing ideas for your final-year research project.

Your final year consolidates your philosophical knowledge through specialised and integrative courses such as:

  1. Contemporary Philosophy
  2. African Metaphysics and Ethics
  3. Philosophy of Mind
  4. Logic and Analytic Thought
  5. Research Project

The research project allows you to investigate a philosophical issue of personal interest under close academic supervision.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. Philosophy programme, you must meet one of the following admission requirements:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. A minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. A strong interest in reasoning, writing, and critical inquiry (demonstrable through previous coursework or personal interest).

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Five SSCE credit passes, two of which must be at the Advanced Level in Arts or Social Science subjects.
  2. An acceptable NCE, ND, or University Diploma in related areas such as Arts, Social Sciences, or Religious Studies with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Additional qualifications in logic, humanities, or critical writing may be an added advantage.

All applicants must also satisfy the general admission regulations of the University.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Philosophy at Olabisi Onabanjo University allows you to develop a powerful set of intellectual tools that are highly valued across professions. The programme helps you become a sharp thinker, persuasive communicator, and ethical decision-maker, qualities essential for leadership and innovation.

You will benefit from:

  1. A broad and rigorous curriculum covering African and Western philosophy, logic, ethics, metaphysics, and political thought.
  2. Experienced lecturers and researchers who bring global and local perspectives to philosophical discussions.
  3. A stimulating learning environment that encourages debate, creativity, and originality.
  4. Training in analytical writing and argumentation, preparing you for fields such as law, public service, diplomacy, media, and academia.
  5. Opportunities for interdisciplinary study, enabling you to connect philosophy with politics, religion, science, and culture.
  6. A strong foundation for postgraduate studies in philosophy and related disciplines.

At OOU, you will learn not only what philosophers have said — you will learn how to think, articulate ideas clearly, and engage meaningfully with the world around you.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent philosophical inquiry. The project allows you to explore an issue that interests you, whether classical, contemporary, African, ethical, or political. Under the guidance of a qualified supervisor, you will:

  1. Choose a research topic aligned with your area of interest.
  2. Review key philosophical texts and arguments relevant to your topic.
  3. Develop clear arguments supported by evidence and critical reasoning.
  4. Present your findings in a well-structured dissertation that demonstrates clarity, logic, and intellectual depth.

Your research project serves as a capstone to your philosophical training and prepares you for advanced study or professional roles requiring analytical expertise.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, you must satisfy the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if you enter through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) Philosophy, a respected qualification that opens doors to careers requiring critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical competence.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Philosophy equips you with versatile skills that are highly valued in many sectors. Employers appreciate philosophy graduates for their clarity of thought, logical reasoning, strong writing ability, and problem-solving skills.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Policy analyst or public administrator
  2. Lawyer (with further legal training)
  3. Ethics officer or compliance specialist
  4. Writer, editor, or content strategist
  5. Diplomat or foreign affairs analyst
  6. Journalist or media correspondent
  7. Human resources specialist
  8. Lecturer or researcher
  9. NGO programme officer
  10. Conflict resolution and mediation specialist

You may find employment in:

  1. Government ministries and public service agencies
  2. Educational institutions at all levels
  3. Media and publishing organisations
  4. Legal and consulting firms
  5. International organisations and NGOs
  6. Corporate institutions and human capital development centres

Your training also prepares you for postgraduate studies in Philosophy, Law, Political Science, International Relations, Religious Studies, and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Philosophy as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Obtain five SSCE credit passes, including English Language, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in and meet the requirements of the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold an NCE, ND, or University Diploma in relevant fields (Arts or Social Sciences) with a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess five SSCE credit passes, including English Language.
  3. Upload your transcripts, certificates, and other supporting documents through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

To begin your application or check your admission status, visit the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. Philosophy programme is managed by a dedicated team of scholars within the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts. The Department provides a stimulating intellectual environment committed to rigorous reasoning, ethical reflection, and academic excellence.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities