The program was inspired by the vision of Dr. John Scott from the Department of Philosophy and others who sought to create a graduate degree that moved beyond the narrowly focused research of a traditional M.A. Instead, the M.Phil. in Humanities offers an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging broader intellectual exploration and engagement.

Over the years, the program has attracted students from diverse academic backgrounds, including Classics, Fine Arts, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies and more. It has also become a welcoming space for mature students returning to academia after years in the workforce. Returning professionals have included teachers, lawyers, art curators, nurses, engineers, physicians, and even a provincial court judge.

The program’s dynamic mix of recent graduates and experienced professionals—hailing from Newfoundland, across Canada and around the world—have made the program rich in points of view. This diversity fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas, connecting academic theory with practical experience and offering students a truly multidisciplinary perspective.