Master Philosophy
Short description
Philosophy as methodical thinking deals with the challenges of an increasingly complex world in a specific way. It offers the possibility of conceptually processing fundamental questions, analyzing systems and structures and developing differentiated perspectives on current problems, taking into account normative aspects.
The Master's degree program in Philosophy enables you to deepen the relevant skills and knowledge at a higher academic level and to make them useful for your own professional future both within and outside the university. The program in Düsseldorf offers you unique advantages:
- intensive supervision and discussions in small groups,
- an internationally oriented professional environment,
- Courses at the cutting edge of current research in almost every area of philosophy,
- specializations and specific modules to deepen your philosophical research skills, on current social issues and on careers and the public sphere,
- further offers on philosophy in the public sphere as well as dedicated support on career prospects, also as part of a mentoring program.
Detailed information and testimonials from students and alumni can also be found on the website for prospective students of the Institute of Philosophy.
Study content & modules
4 compulsory modules
- Philosophical research 1 & 2 (9 CP each)
In exchange with the lecturers, you will deepen your research skills and develop your own research questions. - Current social issues (15 CP)
You will analyse social challenges from a descriptive and normative perspective - from climate change to digitalization - and develop well-founded positions. - Profession and the public sphere (15 CP)
You will explore the role of philosophy in practice and learn to apply philosophical thinking in public and professional life.
2 elective modules from the following list (15 CP each)
- Ethics and social philosophy
- Political philosophy and philosophy of law
- History of philosophy
- Metaphysics and philosophy of mind
- Epistemology and philosophy of language
Profile development (18 CP)
- Selection from a wide range of courses offered by Heinrich Heine University: from language skills and literary writing to law for non-lawyers
- Courses from other subjects of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
More information
- Admission requirement is a relevant Bachelor's degree with a grade of at least 2.5.
- A BA degree is relevant to the subject of Philosophy if knowledge of Philosophy has been acquired that is at least equivalent in scope and content to the BA supplementary subject program in Philosophy at HHU. This includes coursework and examinations in the following areas: Logic, History of Philosophy, Theoretical Philosophy and Practical Philosophy.
- The total scope of the philosophy degree program should be at least 54 ECTS. Of these, up to a maximum of 18 ECTS credits can be made up if not enough coursework and examinations have been completed at the time of admission.
Application with a completed degree at HHU
If you have completed a suitable Bachelor's degree (core or supplementary subject Philosophy) with an overall grade of 2.5 or better at HHU in the current or previous semester, you can enrol directly for the Master's degree program in Philosophy. Please contact the Student and Examination Office (SSC) to submit the subject change application required for the transition to the Master's program.
Application with a degree from another university
Application and aptitude assessment are carried out via HHU's central application portal. You will find instructions on how to apply in the portal. Please make sure to upload both your degree certificate and transcript of records (in one pdf document if necessary). If you are unsure whether your previous studies cover the content required for admission to a Master's degree program, please attach module handbooks for your Master's degree program that show the respective philosophical components.
Provisional enrollment
If you have not yet completed your Bachelor's degree, provisional enrolment for the Master's degree program is possible if the following requirements are met by 30.9. for enrolment for the winter semester or by 31.3. for enrolment for the summer semester:
- All final examinations of the relevant Bachelor's degree program have been successfully completed;
- the Bachelor's thesis has been submitted (please enclose proof);
- the overall grade point average of the Bachelor's degree program is at least 2.5.
In the case of provisional enrollment, the Bachelor's degree program must be formally completed by the end of the first semester of the Master's degree program with an (overall) final grade of 2.5 or better so that the Master's degree program can be continued.
The application and determination of provisional eligibility are carried out via the central application portal of HHU.
The Master's degree in Philosophy qualifies you for a variety of fields of activity:
- Academic career: preparation for doctoral studies and research activities.
- Career opportunities: Media, education, culture, politics, consulting, ...
On the career prospects page you will find more detailed information and can find out about the wide range of opportunities that await you in this respect at our institute and at Heinrich Heine University. - Personal development: teaching analytical, communicative and argumentative skills.
argumentative skills.