Bachellor of Arts in Philosophy

Overview

Philosophy of the Programme

This programme is informed by the belief that philosophical training, with its emphasis on critical thinking, is essential for the promotion of an active citizenry and a well-functioning democracy.

Rationale of the Programme

The study of philosophy enhances our ability to think carefully and critically. It also enhances our ability to communicate clearly and persuasively and to solve problems. These skills are transferable and are in high demand in a wide variety of careers, including business, communication, law, public policy, advertising, media, and information technology.

Goal of the Programme       

This program aims at familiarizing students with the key concepts, theories and problems in each of the four main branches of philosophy, namely, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and logic. It also aims at familiarizing students with the key figures, schools of thought, and traditions in the history of philosophy.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Admission Requirements

  1. K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C+ or equivalent
  2. K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C plain or equivalent Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
  3. K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C- or equivalent Plus a Certificate and a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
  4. K.C.E./E.A.C.E Div. III/ Ordinary GCE or equivalent Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
  5. K.A.C.E. or E.A.A.C.E/ Advanced GCE Certificate with one principal pass Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
  6. K.A.C.E. or E.A.A.C.E. certificate with two principal passes or equivalent
  7. International Baccalaureate Diploma
  8. A degree from a recognized university or equivalent

A candidate shall be allowed to register only in those course units whose combinations are approved by the Faculty. Any modification of such combination(s) shall be allowed only after obtaining approval from the Dean.

Regulations for Credit Transfers

  1. A student from a recognized University, or any other equivalent institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate, wishing to transfer to the BA  programme at the University of Nairobi shall be allowed to transfer credits from his/her University if those credits are deemed relevant and meet the required minimum contact hours.
  2. A University of Nairobi student who obtains a credit or credits from a recognized university shall also be allowed to transfer those credits to the University of Nairobi.
  3. The transferred credits shall not be more than a third (1/3) of the total prescribed credits and/or course units required for the award of the BA degree.
  4. Where a student wishes to be exempted from any course unit, he/she shall follow the procedure set out below:
  5. The student shall send a formal application for exemption to the Academic Registrar through the Dean of the Faculty, justifying his/her request and attaching evidence of the credentials, which would support such a request.
  6. The student shall undertake to submit himself/herself to an exemption examination set and administered by the Faculty and approved by the Senate. In any such examination the pass mark shall be 40%.
  7. A student who has to take an exemption examination shall be required to pay to the University an exemption fee as may be prescribed from time to time by the Faculty.
  8. The Faculty may, for reasons of exceptional academic merit, recommend to Senate the exemption of an applicant from a core course or an elective course without being subjected to an exemption examination.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students’ Obligation

  1. The course shall be offered through course work.
  2. A learner shall attend forty five (45) contact hours of lectures for each course unit registered in a semester.
  3. The learner must attend at least 75% of the recommended lecture hours per unit whether face-to-face or online.
  4. The learner shall attend a mandatory orientation on e-learning.

 

Contact Person

Chairman

P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi

Email- dept-philosophy@uonbi.ac.ke

Tel: 020-4913219

Website:philosophy.uonbi.ac.ke

Physical location: Gandhi Wing, 3rd Floor, Main Campus

Programme Structure and Duration

Schedule of intakes

Programme intake is once every year in September with the course duration
taking FOUR Academic Years

Mode of Study 

Face-Face Mode

Face to face mode of delivery will involve lectures, discussions, practical work/demonstrations, case studies, blended learning, experiential learning, & problem-based learning.

2.1.1    Face to face mode of delivery will involve lectures, discussions, practical work/demonstrations, case studies, blended learning, experiential learning, and problem-based learning.

2.1.2    The programme shall be covered in a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 22 semesters from the date of registration and each semester will be 15 weeks.

2.1.3    Each course unit shall have a minimum of 45 contact hours, and shall be covered within a semester.

2.1.4    Each student shall be required to take a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 7 course units in one semester.

Open, Distance Learning, and e-Learning (ODeL)

2.2.1    Open, distance and e-learning mode of delivery will involve modules and electronic/web-based learning materials.

2.2.2    The course structure and requirements for the degree programme through open, distance and electronic learning remain the same as under the full-time and part-time mode of study.

2.2.3    The open, distance and electronic learning mode of study will run for a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 semesters of 24 weeks each, from the date of registration.

2.2.4    The open, distance and electronic learning mode of study will be offered off-campus using multi-media approach, including a variety of self-instructional print and electronic study materials.

2.2.5    In addition, there will be limited face-to-face instruction during residential training. The face-to-face instruction shall not exceed one-third of the instruction time.

Attachment Opportunities

Bachelor of arts in Philosophy graduates and continuing students can access attachment opportunities in government and non-governmental organizations; civil society organizations; international development agencies; academic and research institutions.

Career Prospects 

Bachelor of arts in Philosophy graduates can get job opportunities in teaching at both primary and secondary levels, civil society organizations; international development agencies; academic and research institutions, government and non-governmental organizations

Fees Structure for Bachelor of Arts applys