Bachelier en philosophie

Overview

From the very start of your studies, you will grapple with the various questions and perspectives that people have expressed in reflecting on their existence, their relationships with others, and their relationship with the world. 

You will explore philosophy through history and in a thematic manner. 

  • The historical approach examines philosophical questions as they have been addressed by major thinkers over time, from their Greek origins to the present day. 
  • The thematic approach isolates and addresses major issues: reasoning in logic, action in ethics, human reality in psychology and anthropology, and ultimate reality in metaphysics. 

To develop your sensitivity to other perspectives, you will explore various disciplines: languages (ancient and modern), the history of civilizations, the religious phenomenon, sociology, and psychology. The study and in-depth exploration of these disciplines will develop your adaptability and versatility. 

The track you choose allows you to combine philosophical inquiry with other fields of science and culture: 

  • The “Ecologies” track: to acquire transdisciplinary skills regarding crucial contemporary issues related to ecological upheavals; 
  • The “Social Sciences and Communication” track: to master the social and economic aspects of contemporary philosophical problems; 
  • The “Exact Sciences” track: to focus your philosophical training on questions raised by the sciences and reflect on their anthropological, ethical, and political implications; 
  • The “Double Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Law” track: to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Law in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. 

By the end of the bachelor’s program, through courses on specific authors and seminars on in-depth topics, you will learn to formulate a philosophical problem. You will also develop your research skills, your ability to engage in discussion, and your capacity to articulate your thoughts in a reasoned manner. 

Your bachelor’s program culminates in a final thesis that encourages you to engage in philosophical inquiry on your own. 

Lettres études

You're off to a good start

  • you have a keen interest in the fundamental issues of the human condition; 
  • you have a genuine aptitude for and enjoy critical thinking, reading, and reasoned discussion; 
  • you felt comfortable with French in high school. 
Lettres études

Teaching Methods

Lectures, practical exercises, seminars, participation in research activities... every effort is made to develop your analytical, critical thinking, and argumentation skills. 

Through exercises and independent work, you will learn to master the subject matter, apply philosophical methodology, and discover the essential tools for approaching texts and writing essays. 

The course schedule ensures ample time for independent study, ideal for the reading required to master philosophical methodology. This reading is facilitated by direct access to the philosophy seminar library, which is extensively stocked in the history of philosophy, anthropology, political and social philosophy, aesthetics, ethics, and metaphysics… 

All theoretical courses are enriched by the guided reading of articles or excerpts from philosophical works. 

Most specialized courses are conducted in a dialogic format, similar to a seminar. This allows you to verify your understanding of the material and clarify any points. In the same vein, review sessions and quizzes are offered regularly. 

Experience life abroad

An Erasmus Exchange During Your Undergraduate Studies

You have the opportunity to study abroad at a university in France (University of Bordeaux III and University of Paris Nanterre), in Italy (University of Genoa), or in Quebec (Laval University).

Support for Success

Succeeding in a year of university studies involves many challenges. 

To help you overcome them, UNamur supports you in developing your academic, methodological, and interpersonal skills—with the help of many professionals. 

Preparatory courses, personalized assistance… Discover the resources available to support your education. 

Learn about resources to help you succeed in philosophy

After a bachelor's degree: a master's degree

A bachelor’s degree in philosophy automatically qualifies you for admission to a master’s program in philosophy offered by universities in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation or abroad (subject to the conditions set by the hosting universities). 

If you chose the “Social Sciences and Communication” track during your bachelor’s program, you may be eligible for course exemptions when you later enroll in the Bachelor of Political Science or Bachelor of Information and Communication programs at UNamur. 

In addition, UNamur offers a certificate in advanced studies in philosophy to explore certain philosophical issues in depth, such as the major ethical and social questions of our technological world, questions of meaning and existence, and the philosophy of science... 

Finally, the Department of Philosophy at UNamur participates in the specialized master’s program in Film Cultures and Thought (co-organized with the Université Saint-Louis in Brussels) as well as the specialized master’s program in Political Philosophy and Theory (co-organized with the ULB and ULiège). 

 

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The Professions of Philosophers

Métiers des philosophes

Philosophers' professions

A rich and varied skill set 

Job postings rarely mention the title “philosopher.” However, contrary to popular belief, the skills developed through the study of philosophy prove to be particularly valuable in the workplace. 

A survey of philosophy graduates from Namur highlights the strengths of philosophers in the professional world. A philosophy education develops analytical and reflective skills that, while fostering fluency in argumentation, enable a comprehensive understanding of complex situations. This aspect of the philosophical approach is a definite asset, both during job interviews and when making decisions in the professional field. Philosophers are also led to develop a strong critical mind: they do not merely “do”; they “think about what they do.” Among the other skills highlighted in the survey are broad general knowledge and intellectual curiosity—tools that enable philosophers to learn quickly and thus advance professionally. 

A significant proportion of philosophy graduates continue their initial education with a complementary degree (in management, international relations, development, etc.) or intensive language training (English, Dutch), which can facilitate entry into specialized sectors of the workforce. 

Key Philosophers in the Workplace

Philosophy and Teaching 

Many philosophers share their knowledge and passion and help develop their students’ ability to reason. They teach ethics and religion in secondary and higher education, and sometimes other courses in the humanities as well. 

Philosophy is not just theory; it also serves as a “tool” that enables one to critically engage with other fields of knowledge. In this sense, philosophers are also those who can “learn how to learn.” It is therefore not surprising to find them working as instructors in the field of continuing education, such as in literacy programs. 

It should also be noted that career opportunities in education are expanding with the creation of a “Philosophy and Citizenship” course in the official secondary school curriculum. 

Philosophy and Research 

Some graduates pursue research after earning their degree, often combined with supervisory duties, in Belgium or abroad. Universities and public funds (e.g., the FNRS) finance doctoral studies. Those with a doctorate in philosophy can then teach at the university level. 

Philosophy and Society 

Bioethics, sustainable development, public health, and citizenship education: these are all current issues in which philosophers are called upon to contribute, and which touch on the very heart of the question of the meaning of life and the purposes of our society. Philosophers generally serve as advisors to decision-makers in these various fields (hospital or health insurance directors, political leaders, industry associations, etc.), or as trainers. 

Philosophers possess critical perspective and communication skills that enable them to act as mediators in the management of human conflicts. They can make this their profession. Within a company, philosophers may, in particular, advance as human resources consultants (selection and recruitment, career coaching). 

Philosophers are also employed in various roles within non-profit organizations (NPOs) or NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), particularly as coordinators or communications officers. It is also worth noting the possibility of working in the field of journalism and within various public administrations. 

Philosophy and Creativity 

Another way to enter the professional world is to carve out one’s own niche. In other words, the absence of a category such as “profession: philosopher” drives some to propose new structures—and thus to invent their own profession. 

Thus, several graduates have successfully turned their passion for philosophical reflection into a professional career. Examples include leading philosophy workshops for children, creating “philosophy café” bookstores, and working as a writer… 

Building a Social Life 

When it comes to landing a first job, a candidate’s personality is sometimes just as important as their university degree…; hence the importance of keeping one’s curiosity alive throughout one’s studies and building a rich social life, for example by getting involved in community organizations. An open mind coupled with a keen critical sense will make philosophers well-suited to take on significant responsibilities in the professional world.