Philosophy and Ethics are among the oldest and most influential academic disciplines in the world. They train students to think critically, reason logically, debate ideas, and engage deeply with questions about truth, morality, justice, knowledge, and human existence.
In South Africa, Philosophy and Ethics are usually offered within Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) degrees, with strong pathways into law, public policy, education, research, theology, and postgraduate study.
This guide lists all South African universities offering Philosophy and/or Ethics for the 2026 academic year.
What Is Philosophy and Ethics?
Philosophy focuses on fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, reason, politics, language, and existence.
Ethics (a core branch of philosophy) explores moral values, right and wrong, justice, responsibility, and professional conduct.
Students typically study areas such as:
- Moral philosophy and applied ethics
- Political philosophy
- African philosophy
- Logic and critical thinking
- Philosophy of law, science, religion, and mind
Universities Offering Philosophy / Ethics in South Africa
The following universities offer Philosophy and/or Ethics as majors or structured programmes within Humanities or Social Sciences degrees.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Philosophy is offered within the Faculty of Humanities, usually as part of a BA programme. Ethics modules are often included in social sciences and professional studies.
North-West University (NWU)
NWU offers Philosophy and Ethics through BA and BSocSci degrees, including Philosophy, Political Philosophy, and Ethics-related modules across faculties.
Rhodes University
Rhodes is internationally recognised for Philosophy. Students can major in Philosophy within BA and BSocSci degrees, with strong emphasis on ethics, logic, and political philosophy.
Stellenbosch University (SU)
Stellenbosch offers Philosophy and Ethics through BA programmes and specialised streams such as Philosophy, Political Philosophy, and Ethics-related interdisciplinary studies.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT has one of the strongest Philosophy departments in Africa. Philosophy and Ethics are offered within BA and BSocSci degrees, with postgraduate specialisation options.
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
UFH offers Philosophy within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Ethics is often integrated into political science, theology, and social development studies.
University of Limpopo (UL)
UL offers Philosophy-related studies within BA and Humanities programmes, including ethics, political philosophy, and critical theory.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNISA offers Philosophy and Ethics via distance learning. Students can major in Philosophy or Ethics within BA degrees, making it ideal for working students.
University of Pretoria (UP)
UP offers Philosophy and Ethics through the Faculty of Humanities, including Philosophy, Ethics, and Applied Ethics streams within BA programmes.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits has a well-established Philosophy Department offering Philosophy and Ethics within BA and BSocSci degrees, with strong emphasis on critical thinking and social justice.
Who Should Study Philosophy or Ethics?
Philosophy and Ethics are ideal if you:
- Enjoy debate, reading, and writing
- Like analysing complex ideas and arguments
- Are interested in justice, morality, politics, or society
- Plan to pursue law, public policy, academia, or research
- Want strong critical thinking and reasoning skills
Career Paths After Philosophy / Ethics
Graduates commonly work in:
- Law and legal research
- Public service and policy analysis
- Ethics and compliance roles
- Journalism and media
- Education and academia
- NGOs and civil society organisations
- Corporate governance and risk
Philosophy graduates are especially valued for their analytical and problem-solving abilities.