This is a research-oriented MA that brings together practical and theoretical branches of philosophy in close cooperation. Teaching and supervision are designed to support independent, research-led work, with opportunities to address questions that cut across both practical (applied/ethical/political) and theoretical (metaphysical/epistemological) areas.
The programme emphasizes contemporary debates within analytic philosophy. Core topics include metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science and mathematics, philosophy of mind, moral philosophy and ethics, and political philosophy. Seminar work and coursework are structured around these fields, allowing you to develop specialized knowledge while engaging with adjacent areas.
For international students, the bilingual nature of the programme (English and German) and its analytic focus mean you should be prepared for rigorous argumentation, close textual and conceptual analysis, and a substantial research component—typically carried out under faculty supervision (e.g., a master’s thesis or equivalent research project).
The MA is organized around 12 graduate seminars and a research thesis. Over the course of the degree students choose seminars freely each semester, tailoring their pathway through the program. In the final semester they complete and submit an MA thesis that demonstrates independent research.
Students concentrate on three main areas—practical philosophy, theoretical philosophy, and the history of philosophy—either by taking four seminars in each area or by focusing more deeply on two areas with six seminars each. Seminar work is designed to deepen critical reading and argumentative skills, expose students to central texts and debates, and develop familiarity with contemporary research methods in philosophy. By completing the thesis, students also gain experience in designing a research question, conducting literature-based inquiry, and presenting sustained philosophical argumentation.
This structure supports both breadth across the discipline and deeper specialization, preparing graduates for further academic research or roles that require advanced analytical and communicative skills.
Applicants must hold a completed Bachelor's degree in philosophy and have achieved an academic performance at least equivalent to the German grade "good" (numerical threshold: 2.5 or better). This is the minimum academic standard for admission to the Master's program and applies to all applicants, including those with degrees from institutions outside Germany.
Because grading systems differ between countries, the university will assess whether your degree and final grade are equivalent to the German scale. If you earned your degree abroad, check how your home-country grading converts to the German system and be prepared to provide official documentation showing your final result. If you are unsure about equivalence, contact the admissions office for guidance before submitting your application.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are well prepared for academic research and doctoral study in philosophy, having developed advanced analytical, argumentative, and research skills through seminars and the MA thesis. Beyond academia, the programme equips students for roles requiring rigorous critical thinking and ethical reasoning, such as research institutes, publishing, policy advising, and positions in cultural or educational organisations.