Philosophy, Politics and Law

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All programs Faculty of Arts & Science Department website

Credentials available

Bachelor of Arts

Campus

Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Winter

Admission requirements

Program description

Explore the foundations of justice, governance, and ethical decision-making! The Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL) major at the University of Lethbridge is a unique interdisciplinary program that prepares students to tackle the complex challenges of civic life with a deep understanding of political systems, philosophical thought and legal frameworks.

What sets this program apart is its grounding in three foundational perspectives — philosophy, political science and Indigenous knowledge systems — reflecting ULethbridge’s commitment to liberal education and social justice. Students then tailor their degree through one of four customizable streams: environment, health, business and economics, or social justice, creating a learning environment rooted in academic excellence, critical inquiry and collaboration.

Through cohort-based learning and a final capstone project, PPL students graduate ready to make meaningful contributions in government, law, advocacy, policy and beyond.

Program highlights

Interdisciplinary core: Develop a strong foundation in philosophical analysis, political systems and Indigenous governance.
Customizable learning: Choose from four specialized streams to match your interests and career goals.
Hands-on capstone: Tackle real-world issues from multiple perspectives in a final project course.
Focus on Indigenous perspectives: Ground your education in diverse worldviews essential to Canadian society and law.

Streams of specialization

Business and Economics
Environment
Health
Social Justice

Each stream allows students to explore issues like sustainable governance, public health ethics, social equity or economic policy in greater depth.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | ULethbridge offers a number of experiential learning opportunities, including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies, and volunteer opportunities. ULethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts and sciences, at both the undergrad and graduate levels. Transfer students can head out on their first work term before ever setting foot on campus! For example, many transfer students complete a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | Students enrolled in the Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL) major at the University of Lethbridge will gain a rich blend of practical, analytical, and ethical skills highly transferable to various professional and academic pathways. Here are the key skills you can expect to develop:

Critical thinking & ethical reasoning
Interdisciplinary knowledge integration
Communication and argumentation
Collaboration
Civic engagement
Applied research
Project management
Policy analysis
Legal literacy

Possible careers

Possible careers | Studying Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) develops strong critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, which can lead to a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors, including:

Policy Analyst
Lawyer (with further education)
Public Servant
Environmental or Health Advocate
Social Justice Organizer
Indigenous Governance Advisor
Human Rights Researcher

Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your undergraduate degree also provides an excellent foundation for law, management and education. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing graduate school right here in Lethbridge? Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Admission requirements for Philosophy, Politics and Law

Choose a Province/Territory:

For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course is required:

English Language Arts 30-1

Three of these courses are required:

Aboriginal Studies 30
Art 30 or Art 31
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
Dance 35
Drama 30
Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Mathematics 31
Physics 30
Science 30
Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
One or more distinct languages at the 30 level

One additional requirement from this list:

That has not already been used
May be from the list above
Must be at the 30 level
Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
Cannot be a Special Project

Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here

First year cost estimator
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Sample classes

Courses. Students complete 21 courses in the major, including:

Core Courses:

Critical Thinking
Social and Political Philosophy
Canadian Politics and Government
Introduction to Indigenous Governance
Philosophy of Law
Canadian Indigenous Project Management
Capstone: Reflections on Philosophy, Politics and Law

Plus, a selection of Indigenous studies, political science and philosophy courses, as well as stream-specific electives.

Note: Some courses have prerequisites. Check the course catalogue for details.

Quick links

Transfer Credit Equivalencies Database

View ULethbridge Program Planning Guides