Philosophy – Master of Arts

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Our Master's Programme in Philosophy is strongly research-based and builds on the three-year bachelor's programme in Philosophy. The study programme can be studied in German, but also in English.

During your MA studies you will expand and deepen your knowledge of philosophy and your methods of thought in close alliance with research. You will apply theories and positions of classical and contemporary philosophers at a very high scientific level. You will have the opportunity to focus on philosophical sub-disciplines, or on interfaces with other subjects (through the choice of compulsory elective subjects). This also enables students to enter the MA programme who have gained their first degree in another subject, have sufficient basic knowledge of philosophy and wish to gain deeper philosophical insights into their own discipline.

Overview

Degree Master of Arts
Programme start Winter semester & Summer semester
Period of study 4 semesters
Application period 9.5. - 15.7. | 29.11. - 15.1.
Admission restrictions no
ECTS 120

Why study Philosophy in the University of Konstanz?

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Konstanz features systematic areas of focus. This means that, rather than approaching the history of philosophy mainly as the history of ideas, you will be addressing historical positions and the extent to which their contents and arguments are convincing. In addition to this, the department likes to pursue interdisciplinary approaches in both teaching and research. As a student you will benefit especially from regular interdisciplinary lectures and courses.

Our philosophy students enjoy very good study conditions. There are no overcrowded lectures and seminars, usually 5 to 15 students take part in the graduate courses, and the staff-student ratio allows excellent personal contact and supervision. Students can satisfy stronger interests at a large range of conferences, colloquia and workshops based on the department’s numerous research initiatives.

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

An MA in philosophy is very useful for professional work in for instance the media, the scientific library sector and various cultural sectors as well as in several areas of industry or in scientific organisations.

If you are aiming for an academic career, you will begin your doctoral studies after completing your MA.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester & Summer semester

Academic structure

You will take part in a compulsory departmental student advice session at the beginning of the MA programme and at the beginning of the third semester. In the fourth semester you will write your master’s thesis and take the final oral exam.

The MA programme consists of modules and amounts totalling 120 ECTS credits. 84 of these ECTS credits should be in the core subject and up to 36 ECTS credits in the supplementary elective area (minor subjects).
Courses in that supplementary area must fit into an interdisciplinary, philosophical overall concept. You may, but you do not have to, choose a supplementary area.

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internship and study abroad

Internships

No internship is required during the MA studies.

Study abroad

A period of study abroad is always highly recommendable. You can benefit from the great variety of international contacts maintained by the university staff and take part in exchange programmes with leading European and American universities. The university supports study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other funding sources.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

You should really enjoy philosophy and be motivated by the desire to deepen your basic knowledge. During your previous undergraduate studies you have already developed your abilities to think logically, to read texts thoroughly and critically, and to structure and write your own. The teaching contents in the department are strongly shaped by the main research areas of the teaching staff. The close interlocking of research and teaching enables you to work at a high scientific level and to independently determine your own areas of special interest from a broad range of courses.

Language skills

Foreign language study applicants

The study programme can be studied in German and English. Therefore, the following proofs are required for an application:

  • Option 1:Proof of German language skills corresponding to DSH level 2 or TestDaF level 4 in all four sections.

or

  • Option 2: Proof of English language skills at level C1 e.g. by IELTS assessment with an average score of at least 7.0, whereby a minimum of 6.5 must have been achieved in each competence area, or equivalent. Applicants who have obtained a B.A. or M.A. degree in an English-language program are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency.

Language(s) of instruction

German and English

Admission requirements

  • B.A degree in Philosophy with the German grade of 2.5 or better. In exceptional cases applicants may be admitted who have completed a degree in another study programme with academic achievements that make a successful participation in the Master's Programme in Philosophy likely (German grade of 2,5 or better is mandatory).
  • International applicants need documentation of their German or English language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent, or documentation of IELTS score of at least 7,0 with nowhere less than 6,5 (which amounts to a level of C1), or equivalent. Exempt from the proof of English proficiency are applicants who have earned a B.A. or M.A. degree in study program, where the language of instruction was English.

For details, please see the admission regulations.

Fees

Semester fee

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Application and application documents

This study programme has no admission restrictions.

An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. - 15.7. (winter semester) and 29.11. - 15.1. (summer semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

Application documents

Please attach the following documents to your application:

  • Documentation of your academic degree including details on course work.
  • If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far;
  • Current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’).

    Important note: Please note the information provided under the tab "Admission requirements".

International applicants:

  • If your documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions.
  • Documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent or documentation of English language skills, IELTS score of at least 7,0 with nowhere less than 6,5 (which amounts to a level of C1), or equivalent. Exempt from the proof of English proficiency are applicants who have earned a B.A. or M.A. degree in study program, where the language of instruction was English.
  • Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country
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