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University of Bergen

Philosophy, Master's, 2 years

Philosophy is the study of what matters: what is knowledge, truth, morality and aesthetics? Under the Master’s programme in philosophy, you will expand your knowledge and deepen your understanding of central themes within philosophy, and you will gain better skills in scientific criticism. You will also develop the skills you need for independent research.
  • TuitionFor non eu/eea citizens
  • Years2 Years
  • Grade requirementsMinimum C
  • LanguageEnglish
  • ECTS120
  • StartAutumn and Spring

Main content

What do you learn?   

The philosophy course cultivates your ability to think analytically and critically.  

With a Master’s degree in philosophy you get:  

  • In-depth understanding of central issues within both theoretical and practical philosophy  

  • Analytical skills that can be applied to philosophical issues, but also to challenges in other branches of science, in the public sector and in society at large 

  • Experience in carrying out an independent research project  

Student life 

As a philosophy student, you stay at Sydneshaugen, in the heart of the university campus in the centre of Bergen. We have many international students and employees. You will be part of a pleasant Master’s student environment, and you will have access to support and guidance from both administrative and academic staff. As a Master’s student, you will be part of one of the research groups at the institute. You also get your own reading room space in the institute building. And not least, as a philosophy student you will be part of an active student and professional environment that organises academic-social gatherings of various kinds throughout the year.  

In the first two semesters, you choose a subject for a total of 60 ECTS. You can count on spending at least 8 hours on lectures and seminar groups per week. 

You use the last two semesters to write the Master’s thesis (60 ECTS); possibly take 30 ECTS with a Master’s subject in the third semester and write a Master’s thesis of 30 ECTS in the fourth semester.  

What can you work as?  

With a degree in philosophy you become particularly good at seeing the essentials in large amounts of information, and at thinking critically and analytically, and solving problems of various kinds. You will also be trained in communicating clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing.  

Most people who have studied philosophy find work within  

  • Teaching 

  • Research  

  • Public administration  

  • Media  

  • Private, public and non-profit organisations  

Of those who do not work in teaching or research, many are advisers and consultants of various kinds.  

Admission requirements and application deadline 

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

All applicants with citizenship from outside EU/EEA must pay tuition fees.

The structure of the program

The program covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts either autumn or spring.  

Recommended progression in the program for students who will complete FILO350 Philosophy master's thesis - 60 credits :  

Semester 1: 

Semester 2

Semester 3 and 4

Recommended progression in the study for students who have completed FILO351 Philosophy master's thesis - 30 credits:  

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

  • Elective research subjects in philosophy (30 credits) 

Semester 4

Exchange  

The department strongly recommends a stay abroad at one of our partner universities. Popular countries and universities for exchange stays are France (Lille, Montpellier), Germany (Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Tübingen), Italy (Genoa, Rome “La Sapienza”) and Austria (Graz, Vienna).  

Further study opportunities  

You can continue in academic research by taking a doctoral degree (PhD) .

Questions about the course?  

Telephone: +47 55 58 93 70  

E-mail: studierettleiar@fof.uib.no    

Study plan  

Read the entire study plan