Philosophy is the branch of study that explores fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, and ethics, like what is real, how we gain knowledge, what makes something right or wrong, and why we exist in the first place. It pushes us to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and see the world through different lenses. 

The roots of philosophy go way, way back to the 6th century BCE. Ancient thinkers like Thales and Pythagoras kicked things off, but it was Aristotle who shaped philosophy into a discipline still studied today. His ideas are still part of what students today read, argue about, and build on.

If you’re interested in studying philosophy abroad, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about studying philosophy, branches of philosophy, the best schools to study philosophy in, and the best student accommodation options from Casita.

Main Branches of Philosophy

A. Metaphysics

Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that asks deep questions about life and reality. In ancient times and during the Middle Ages, it mainly focused on things like:

• What is the first cause of everything?

• Why do things exist?

• What is the nature of being? (In other words, what does it mean for something to “be” or “exist”?)

Back then, metaphysics was all about understanding the world beyond what we can see or touch.

Later on, especially after the Middle Ages, philosophers began adding more topics to metaphysics. These included questions like:

• What is time?

• Do we have free will?

• What is the mind?

• Is there a God?

B. Epistemology

Epistemology looks at how we know things. It asks questions like:

• What is knowledge?

• Where does it come from?

• How do we know if something is really true?

• Are there limits to what we can know?

The term "epistemology" mixes two Greek roots: "epistēmē," meaning "knowledge", and "logos", which can be taken as "study" or "reason". Because of that, people often call it the theory of knowledge.

Epistemology is not new; it began with ancient Greeks such as Plato and Aristotle, and it remains a lively topic in philosophy today.

It sits beside metaphysics (the study of reality), logic (the study of valid reasoning), and ethics (the study of right and wrong) as one of philosophy's four main branches. Almost every major thinker in history has weighed in on how we gain knowledge since that question touches nearly every other issue.

C. Ethics

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions about what is right and wrong and what is good or bad. It helps us think about how people should act and how to make good choices.

Ethics isn’t just about personal opinions. It looks at deeper reasons behind actions. For example, it asks:

• Is it always wrong to lie?

• What makes something fair or unfair?

• How should we treat other people?

So, ethics is not only about asking moral questions. It’s also about building systems or ideas that help people live better, more responsible lives.

D. Logic

Logic studies how to think clearly and correctly. It helps us understand how to make good arguments and how to tell if something makes sense.

Logic is all about reasoning. In other words, using your mind to connect ideas in a way that’s true and fair. For example, it looks at questions like:

• If A is true, does that mean B must also be true?

• How do we know if a conclusion is correct based on the information we have?

There are different types of logic, such as:

• Formal logic (using symbols and rules to test arguments)

• Modal logic (studying possibility and necessity)

• Applied logic (using logic in real-world situations)

This field helps in many areas, like math, science, computers, and even everyday problem-solving. Logic is one of the main branches of philosophy, and it plays a big role in helping us think better and avoid mistakes in reasoning.

Why Study Philosophy Abroad?

If you’re the kind of person who overthinks everything (in the best way), studying philosophy abroad might just be your calling. Philosophy is about learning how to think clearly, argue well, and understand different worldviews.

Studying abroad takes that even further. You’ll explore ideas across cultures, read thinkers in translation, and maybe even have a class in a literal mediaeval building. You’re not just learning about Plato or Nietzsche from a textbook; you’re living in the same cities where those ideas were born or debated. Plus, studying philosophy internationally boosts your CV like nothing else. Employers love sharp thinkers with a global perspective, and you’ll get that in spades.

Top Philosophy Study Abroad Programmes

1. University of Oxford - BA Philosophy or PPE

Home to the iconic tutorial system, Oxford lets you study philosophy in one-on-one or small group settings with world-class scholars. You can pursue Philosophy on its own or combine it with Politics and Economics (PPE).

2. University of Toronto - Philosophy BA

The Department of Philosophy at the Uni of Toronto is one of the highest-ranked departments in North America. Courses cover everything from philosophy of mind and science to feminist and Indigenous thought.

3. Leiden University - BA in Philosophy: Global and Comparative Perspectives

The Leiden Philosophy BA Programme goes beyond Western philosophy. You’ll explore ancient Chinese, Indian, and Islamic traditions, alongside European thinkers.

4. University of Edinburgh - MA Philosophy

The MA Philosophy programme at the Uni of Edinburgh offers a flexible four-year degree with a strong emphasis on research and academic writing. You'll also have access to joint honours programmes.

5. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) - BA Philosophy

LMU is one of Europe’s leading research universities. The LMU philosophy faculty is especially strong in logic, language, and analytic philosophy. Courses are taught in German, but some are available in English.

Where Casita Fits In: Student Accommodation Options

Fully Furnished Student Accommodation Options Near The University of Oxford

Decided to choose the University of Oxford as your philosophy spot? We've got your back with our wide range of student accommodation:

• The Park Residence: An Oxford student accommodation option that offers comfortable en-suite rooms in five-bedroom shared flats. It also comes with additional perks like high-speed Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facilities, secure bike storage and CCTV security for your security.
  
  

• The Spireworks: This student accommodation option in Oxford offers fully-furnished studios and apartments. This property also comes equipped with Wi-Fi, all bills included, laundry, 24/7 security and CCTV for a smooth and comfortable stay.
  
  

• The Mews: This accommodation option at Oxford offers en-suite rooms and private self-contained studios, with accessible options. This property is a 25-minute walk from the University of Oxford, and it comes with a wide range of amenities such as Wi-Fi, secure bike storage, and an on-site laundry room.

Affordable Student Accommodation Near The University of Toronto

If you’re planning to study philosophy at the University of Toronto, we've got you covered with plenty of amazing student accommodation options:

• Toronto Downtown: This housing in Toronto offers a selection of fully furnished and comfy single rooms. It comes equipped with numerous amenities to make your daily life easier, including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. It is also a 17-minute walk from the University of Toronto.
  
  

• Toronto East: This Toronto student housing offers fully furnished room options within a four-bedroom apartment. It also has a lot of amenities for a smoother stay, including Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, and a swimming pool.

Best Accommodation options near Leiden University

So, you decided to study the Global and Comparative Perspectives programme at Leiden University? Here is our best option for you:

• Room for international students: This student accommodation option in Hague offers rooms with a single or double bed and modern bathrooms. It also provides a range of amenities, including laundry, parking, and a garden.

Top-Rated Student Accommodation Options Near The University of Edinburgh

If you have decided to choose the University of Edinburgh to study philosophy, we have good news for you. We have a wide range of Edinburgh student accommodation that will leave you amazed. Here are some of our options:

• Arran House: This student accommodation option offers a variety of comfortable en-suite rooms, studio rooms, and one-bedroom flats. It also has a range of amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facilities, secure bike storage and CCTV security for your safety.
  
  

• Potterrow: This Edinburgh student accommodation offers a wide range of fully furnished studios. It also provides Wi-Fi for study or work purposes and all-inclusive bills for a stress-free stay. The property is also a three-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh.
  
  

• Portsburgh Court Roost: This housing option includes a communal lounge, a gym, study space, a social events calendar, and fast-speed Wi-Fi. It has numerous options of studios to choose from, and it is also a nine-minute walk from the uni of Edinburgh.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

LMU is also one of the best places to teach you philosophy. Here are some of our options in Munich:

• Schleißheimer Straße: This co-living accommodation option in Munich offers single rooms with numerous amenities for a comfortable stay. It provides high-speed internet, parking, and central heating. It also has CCTV for added safety.
  
  

• Dorpater Straße: This option offers flats with inclusive bills, a rooftop terrace, laundry and parking for a convenient stay.

Living Philosophy

Studying philosophy abroad hits different. It’s not just about ancient texts and classroom debates. It’s about the experience as a whole. You’re in a new place, meeting people who think nothing like you, and suddenly all those ideas you read about start feeling real. You see ethics in everyday choices, politics in the way people live, and meaning in things you never noticed before.

That’s the point, really. It’s not about finding all the answers. It’s about learning how to ask better questions. And doing that in a city that inspires you? That just makes it even better.

If you’re thinking about taking this step, don’t let housing stress be the thing that slows you down. Casita offers trusted student housing wherever your journey takes you, so you can focus on living your best student life, one late-night conversation and deep thought at a time.