Philosophy: The foundation of thinking and values for all professions.One of the most common concerns regarding the field of Philosophy is its applicability and career opportunities. Experience has shown that philosophy has never been a job for the masses, but the value it brings extends beyond the individual, possessing universal significance for society and the times. The value of Philosophy lies not in training for a specific profession, but in building and perfecting core thinking skills – an invaluable asset that enables us to adapt to any professional field and aspect of our lives.
The training program of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi aims to equip learners with a sharp set of thinking tools and a sustainable set of values, including:
- Knowledge of the history of philosophy: Wise understanding distilled from thousands of years of human civilization, from East to West—things that have endured through countless changes in human politics, culture, and society.
- Critical and logical thinking: The ability to analyze information, identify weak arguments and fallacies, and evaluate issues objectively and from multiple perspectives. Skills in organizing and systematizing ideas, constructing coherent, logical, and highly persuasive arguments.
- Complex problem-solving ability: The ability to approach new, unprecedented problems, analyze their causes, and propose innovative solutions.
- Empathy and a humanistic perspective: Philosophy is a journey into the essence of human nature, helping learners understand diverse cultural values and perspectives, thereby fostering respect and the ability to connect deeply.
Specializations offered in the Department of PhilosophyIn a society where everything is constantly changing, from students' learning and examination methods to a nation's administrative organization and, more broadly, global political, economic, and cultural relations, young people are inevitably swept along by these turbulent currents. In such a context, what remains constant and enduring is the most solid anchor for human growth and happiness. It is thanks to this core and enduring foundation that graduates of the Philosophy Faculty have grown and demonstrated their capabilities in diverse positions: from officials and policy-making experts in Party and State agencies; managers and specialists in businesses and social organizations; researchers and lecturers at research institutes and universities and colleges nationwide; to journalists, editors, and media experts at news agencies.
From sustainable foundations to innovation and creativityWith a history of nearly 50 years of formation and development (since 1976), the Faculty of Philosophy is one of the most fundamental and largest faculties of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and a leading unit in philosophy education in Vietnam. The Faculty's reputation is built on a dedicated and highly qualified faculty, including dozens of professors, associate professors, and doctors. Many of them have received their training and further education in Russia, Germany, China, South Korea, and Japan.
Scientific research and international cooperation have always been a strength of the Faculty. Hundreds of research papers, monographs, and scientific articles (including those in prestigious ISI/Scopus-listed journals) are published annually. The Faculty maintains close cooperative relationships with many major research institutes and universities domestically and internationally (Germany, France, Russia, South Korea, China, etc.).
This internal strength and prestige are the resources that have enabled the Faculty of Philosophy to continuously innovate over the years, keeping pace with the trends of the times. The scientific activities and short-term courses organized by the Faculty always attract a large number of professionals and enthusiastic young people, such as the International Conference on Vietnamese Educational Philosophy: From Tradition to Modernity (2023), Gender Issues in Philosophy and Culture: Approaches and Comparative Studies (2024), the course on the Foundations of Analytical Philosophy (2024), taught by Dr. Trinh Huu Tue and Prof. Dr. Ngo Bao Chau, or the course on the Essence of Eastern Philosophy in Modern Life and Management (2025, in collaboration with the Libero Institute).
Faculty for the Course on the Essence of Eastern Philosophy (June 2025)
To meet society's urgent need for leadership and management personnel with strategic vision and a solid ethical foundation, the Faculty of Philosophy is developing a groundbreaking new specialization: Philosophy of Governance, starting with the QH-X-2022 cohort (K67). This is an interdisciplinary training program, combining the best of three fields: Philosophy, Political Science, and Management Science. This specialization aims to train future managers and leaders who are not only proficient in their professional skills but also possess profound thinking abilities, capable of making decisions based on humanistic values and a comprehensive vision—decisions that only humans can make, not machines. Students will be equipped with knowledge of organizational governance, human resource management, policy analysis and critique, and will be trained in dialectical methodology and strategic thinking – elements that differentiate an outstanding leader in a rapidly changing environment.
In conclusion: Invest in sustainable value!Artificial intelligence can process data and optimize processes, but it cannot replace humans in setting goals, creating value, and making ethical judgments. In the future, individuals with deep thinking abilities, strategic vision, and an understanding of human nature will be the leaders of societal development.
Choosing to study and conduct research at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is a serious investment in those core and sustainable competencies. This is the path for young people who aspire to understand the world, master their thinking, take control of their lives, and are ready to shape their future with intellect and compassion.
Becoming a student of the Philosophy Faculty, Gen Z will study in a dynamic environment, be encouraged to participate in scientific research from an early age, engage in vibrant academic activities such as the Philosophy Festival, the Philosophy Olympiad, and have the opportunity to receive many prestigious scholarships such as: Scholarships to attract talented students in basic sciences; Scholarships to nurture young scientific talents of the Vietnam National University; Tran Duc Thao Scholarship; Danko Scholarship; Vingroup Scholarship; Posco Scholarship; Pony Chung Scholarship; Mitsubishi Scholarship; Dao Minh Quang Scholarship; SHB Scholarship; KT Scholarship, ... Students with an interdisciplinary development orientation also have the opportunity to enroll in double degrees in several other training programs at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, such as: Psychology, Journalism and Communication, International Studies, Management Science, Law… to graduate with two degrees and turn philosophy into their competitive advantage.
Philosophy students win the 2024 Vietnam Philosophy Olympiad.
