Program Overview

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) has one of the top three philosophy programs in Canada, with internationally leading competence especially in the fields of ethical and political philosophy and philosophy of science. With a view to creating opportunities for students to study and research abroad, thereby promoting the development of their intercultural competence, gaining experience in learning in different environments, and enhancing their ability to study and research across disciplines, the School of Philosophy of RUC and the University of Western Ontario signed the agreement on the "1+1+1" Dual Master’s Degree Programme in 2019. Since then, one or two first-year postgraduate students from the School of Philosophy of RUC have been selected each year to study at the Department of Philosophy of the University of Western Ontario for one year and obtain a master's degree, which was even not interrupted during the epidemic. A total of six students were selected and sent from 2019 to 2022, of which three students were given the opportunity to continue to pursue their doctoral degrees at the University of Western Ontario after completing their studies at the RUC.

Joint Training

(i) Admission

1. This agreement applies only to the Master's programs of the School of Philosophy of the Renmin University of China and the Department of Philosophy of the University of Western Ontario.

2. To participate in the program, students must be admitted to the program of their respective schools.

3. With the consent of the student, one university shall provide the other university with the admission materials required by the other university.

4. Specific information, including start date and end date, specific requirements (e.g., thesis, graduation project, supervisor, financial requirements, curriculum, language requirements), etc. need to be agreed in writing by both universities before the student is admitted.

5. Each student should fill out a complete dual degree application form, submit it to their respective schools, and get the consent of the relevant person in charge and the instructor.

(ii) Language requirements

Students participating in the program should meet the language requirements for both programs and applications, as evidenced by an IELTS score (no less than 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 on a single item)

(iii) Start date, length of project and duration of stay in school

1. The exact start date of the program is based on the application form.

2. The project normally lasts for three years, with the end date based on the application form. In exceptional circumstances, it may be extended for one year by mutual agreement.

3. Students are required to complete mutually agreed courses and research at both universities. The amount of time students spend at their respective universities varies depending on the program, but students should complete no less than 12 months of study and research at both universities. The mutually agreed courses will be stated on the application form, and it may be subject to change depending on the specific program.

4. Leaving the university requires the consent of both universities.

(iv) Registration

Application deadline: early January (based on information on the University of Western Ontario's website for the year)

(v) Application materials

Selection criteria: applicants need to provide transcripts, two letters of recommendation, academic essays, proof of IELTS score (not less than 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 on a single item) and other application materials (based on the current year's official website of the University of Western Ontario)

(vi) Selection method

Selected by the Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario

(vii) Program tuition

Approximately CAD18,000 (based on current year's tuition information from the University of Western Ontario)