If you love asking big questions about life, morality, knowledge, and society, a degree in Philosophy or Ethics may be your calling. These programmes explore how humans think, reason, and act — shaping future leaders, thinkers, policymakers, and academics.
In South Africa, several leading universities offer Philosophy and Ethics degrees that combine critical thinking with cultural insight, preparing students for diverse careers in education, research, law, politics, and business.
Here are the top 10 universities where you can study Philosophy or Ethics in 2026.
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Programme: Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy and Ethics)
Faculty: Humanities
Duration: 3 years
NMU’s Philosophy programme develops students’ ability to think critically about social justice, ethics, and the human condition — reflecting Nelson Mandela’s legacy of moral leadership. The course encourages debate and practical ethical reasoning for modern challenges.
2. North-West University (NWU)
Programme: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Faculty: Humanities
Duration: 3 years
NWU offers a well-structured Philosophy degree with options to focus on Ethics, Religion, or Politics. Students engage with both Western and African philosophical traditions while developing critical reasoning and moral judgment skills.
3. Rhodes University
Programme: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Faculty: Humanities
Duration: 3 years
Rhodes is renowned for its strong Philosophy Department, one of the oldest in South Africa. The programme explores ethics, political philosophy, epistemology, and logic — encouraging intellectual independence and social awareness.
4. Stellenbosch University (SU)
Programme: BA in Philosophy or BA in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies (PPE)
Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Duration: 3 years
SU’s Philosophy department combines analytical, historical, and ethical inquiry. The PPE programme is particularly popular among students interested in leadership, politics, and public policy, offering an international edge.
5. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Programme: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Faculty: Humanities
Duration: 3 years
UCT’s Philosophy programme is globally respected for its academic rigour. Students explore topics such as moral philosophy, critical reasoning, logic, and African philosophy. The course equips graduates to apply ethical and philosophical thought to real-world issues.
6. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Programme: Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy and Ethics)
Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities
Duration: 3 years
UFH offers a values-driven programme grounded in African humanism and ethical leadership. Students examine both classical and contemporary philosophy with a focus on community development and moral reasoning.
7. University of Limpopo (UL)
Programme: BA in Philosophy or BA in Political Studies and Philosophy
Faculty: Humanities – School of Social Sciences
Duration: 3 years
UL’s programme prepares students for roles in education, government, and civil society. It highlights African philosophy, ethics, and social thought, promoting dialogue between traditional and modern philosophical perspectives.
8. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Programme: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy or Applied Ethics
Faculty: College of Human Sciences
Duration: 3 years
As Africa’s largest open-distance university, UNISA makes Philosophy accessible to students nationwide. The programme explores applied ethics, logic, and global thought systems — ideal for those balancing work and study.
9. University of Pretoria (UP)
Programme: BA in Philosophy or BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)
Faculty: Humanities
Duration: 3 years
UP’s Philosophy department is among the most research-active in the country. The programme emphasises ethics, epistemology, and African philosophy, training students to think critically about societal issues and moral responsibility.
10. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Programme: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy or PPE
Faculty: Humanities
Duration: 3 years
Wits offers an intellectually stimulating Philosophy programme focused on logic, ethics, and political philosophy. Students also have the option to pursue the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) route — one of the most prestigious interdisciplinary degrees globally.
Why Study Philosophy and Ethics?
- Develop critical thinking: Learn to reason, analyse, and solve complex problems.
- Understand moral challenges: Address ethical dilemmas in business, technology, and society.
- Career versatility: Graduates succeed in law, politics, journalism, public service, and academia.
- Global relevance: The skills gained in Philosophy are universally valued and timeless.
How to Apply for 2026 Admission
Applications for most South African universities open between April and August 2025. Prospective students must meet minimum entry requirements, including a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with good results in English and Social Sciences.
Apply Online:
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Rhodes University
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Final Thoughts
Whether your interest lies in exploring ethics, logic, political thought, or African philosophy, these universities offer dynamic and thought-provoking programmes that prepare you for a meaningful career — and a lifetime of critical thinking.
If you’re ready to challenge ideas, expand your worldview, and understand what truly drives human action, apply now for Philosophy or Ethics studies in 2026 at one of South Africa’s top institutions.
The post Top 10 South African Universities Offering Philosophy Courses appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.
