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Philosophy - Master's Programme
Orientation and Goals
The primary goal of the programme in philosophy is to teach students to think independently. Specifically, this means mastering the basic principles of philosophy and its rich history, gaining a deeper knowledge of central theories with reference to classical philosophers, reinforced by contemporary discussions, the ability to carry out comprehensive textual analysis and criticism, i.e. the reconstruction of arguments, recognising logical errors, the identification of implicit conditions, critical analysis of widely held and little questioned assumptions, the transfer of skills from philosophy to non-philosophical subjects and non-academic areas.
Study Design and Contents
This programme should be completed in four semesters. In the course of their studies, students acquire a total of 120 credit points, consisting of five modules in philosophy (15 credit points each), a practical module (15 credit points) and a master's thesis (30 credit points). The main focal points of seminar contents are as follows:
- classical and modern critical theory
- German idealism
- Marxist theory and social criticism
- criticism of neuroscience
- natural philosophy
- knowledge and scientific theory
- logic and linguistic philosophy
- history of consciousness requirements of the present
- philosophy of art and religion
Teaching and Learning
For the most part, the core and extension modules consist of seminars. The curriculum is also regularly expanded through workshops and symposia on current topics. The practical module offer the opportunity for further education through leading a tutorial, completing an internship outside the university, or learning a language specific to the individual specialisation. Students are welcome to spend a semester abroad at one of the partner universities.
Reasons for Studying
This master's programme links the historical and systematic approaches to philosophy. Great emphasis is placed on the specialisation in one of the institute's research themes. Students who wish to enter this programme after completing a qualifying degree in another subject and acquiring adequate basic knowledge of philosophy are welcome do so, in particular because of the department's interdisciplinary orientation. In this programme, students critically examine and analytically evaluate scientific and social issues based on a broad historical and systematic knowledge base.
Foreign Language Skills
In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg as a student from outside of Germany, you need an adequate knowledge of German.
German Language Proficiency
You can proof your German language proficiency with the following language certificates:
The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. For other proof possiblities see: Language requirements
German Language Proficiency
You can proof your German language proficiency with the following language certificates:
- DSH: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (Level 2)
- TestDaF: Test – Deutsch als Fremdsprache (with level 4 in all four areas)
The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. For other proof possiblities see: Language requirements
Careers and Areas of Employment
Philosophers are the generalists in the humanities, 'specialists for the general', are increasingly desired in a differentiated and diversifying society. The M.A. programme in Philosophy is oriented toward opportunities to connect to some of the least pre-structured career fields, which puts students in the position to apply their disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills to find professional experience both inside and outside the university. The close interrelation with the master's programme in education, Philosophy / Values and Norms, opens the door to the area of further education, ethics, and social counselling.
Target Group/Admission Requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Philosophy or in a closely related field worth at least 60 credit points.
Application/Admission Procedures
This is an open admissions degree course, and applications are accepted for both the winter and summer semesters.
The application deadline for the winter semester is 30 September.
The application deadline for the summer semester is 31 March.
Overview application deadlines Master's programmes
Please note
For open-admission Master's degree programmes it is strongly recommended to submit their applications as early as possible before 15 July for the winter semester and before 15 January for the summer semester. If the supporting documents are submitted after these dates but before the standard application deadlines, this may have disadvantages for the start of your studies. Please note our information on the local application procedure (German document).
The application deadline for the winter semester is 30 September.
The application deadline for the summer semester is 31 March.
Overview application deadlines Master's programmes
Please note
For open-admission Master's degree programmes it is strongly recommended to submit their applications as early as possible before 15 July for the winter semester and before 15 January for the summer semester. If the supporting documents are submitted after these dates but before the standard application deadlines, this may have disadvantages for the start of your studies. Please note our information on the local application procedure (German document).