Philosophy, Master's, 2 years

The Philosophy Department covers all areas of philosophy, with a special emphasis on Ancient Philosophy, Ethics and Political Philosophy, Logic, Philosophy of Science and Mathematics, and Wittgenstein Studies.

In the master’s programme in Philosophy you will discuss questions like:

• What is knowledge and how is it different from true belief? What really exists? Do numbers, souls, markets, and the future exist? Do I exist?
• Is there a universal rule, or principle that distinguishes right from wrong? Is morality subjective? Is it relative to human communities and historical periods?
• What is the best form to organize human society? Are values like freedom and equality necessarily in conflict? Do we have free will?

Through the study, you will broaden your knowledge and deepen your understanding of key topics in philosophy, and refine your critical skills. You will also develop the skills needed for independent research.

Career

Our graduates have good analytic skills, are self-motivated, and have good written and oral communication skills.

They work in a wide range of industries, like publishing, media, politics, business, and academia.

72 % of alumni with a degree from the Faculty of Humanities say that they have found relevant work within two years of graduating. You can continue in academic research by pursuing a PhD.

Structure

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and can be started in either the autumn or spring.

Course plan with a 60 ECTS master’s thesis:

Semester 1

• FIL342 Thesis Development and Methodology (10 ECTS)
• FIL343 Master's topic in Theoretical Philosophy (10 ECTS)
• Elective research topics in Philosophy (10 ECTS)

Semester 2

• FIL344 Master Topic in Practical Philosophy (10 ECTS)
• Elective research topics in Philosophy (20 ECTS)

Semester 3 and 4

• FILO350 Master's thesis (60 ECTS)

Course plan with a 30 ECTS master’s thesis:

Semester 1

• FIL342 Thesis Development and Methodology (10 ECTS)
• FIL343 Master's topic in Theoretical Philosophy (10 ECTS)
• Elective research topics in Philosophy (10 ECTS)

Semester 2

• FIL344 Master Topic in Practical Philosophy (10 ECTS)
• Elective research topics in Philosophy (20 ECTS)

Semester 3

• Elective research topics in Philosophy (30 ECTS)

Semester 4

• FILO351 Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

See full list of courses

Academic life

The Philosophy Department is in the Humanities building in the University’s city centre campus. We have many international students and staff members. There is a friendly community of graduate students, and plenty of support is available from both academic and non-academic staff members. Master’s students are included in the research groups at the department. Our master’s students also have a reading room where they get their own desk.

In your first two semesters you follow courses, worth 60 ECTS in total. You can expect to spend at least 8 hours every week on lectures and seminar groups. The rest of your time will be spent reading and working on your thesis. 

You will spend the last two semesters writing your master’s thesis (worth 60 ECTS).

You choose your own topic with guidance from the programme coordinator and your supervisor.

What will you learn

The study of philosophy cultivates your ability to think analytically and critically. 

With a master's degree in philosophy you will among other things have:

• thorough insight into key issues in both theoretical and practical philosophy
• analytical skills that can be applied to philosophical issues, as well as to issues in other academic fields and public affairs  
• experience carrying out an independent research project

Full list of learning outcomes.

Study period abroad

You can spend the second semester in a partner institution abroad. Popular destinations include France (Lille, Montpellier), Germany (Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Tübingen), Italy (Genoa, Rome 'La Sapienza') and Austria (Graz, Vienna).

See list of recommended exchange agreements

How to apply

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

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 December)
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (15 April)

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