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Bachelor Philosophy

Short description

Everyone has at some point considered philosophical questions: Are we allowed to eat animals? How can I know whether I am awake or dreaming? What is the meaning of life? By studying philosophy, you will learn about different answers to such questions, and you will learn how to assess and justify them.

The bachelor's degree programme at HHU Düsseldorf covers all important areas and ages of philosophy, from philosophy of mind to political philosophy, from ancient philosophy to current debates. As a bonus, you can expect:

  • intensive supervision and discussions in small classes,
  • thorough training in philosophical writing and argumentation,
  • a variety of courses in virtually every area of philosophy,
  • courses and projects in public philosophy.

Combination options

Philosophy can be studied as a major subject or as a minor subject. Both options qualify for the subsequent Master's programme in Philosophy at HHU Düsseldorf and other universities. If you wish to study philosophy as a major, you must choose one of the minors listed here. If you study philosophy as a minor, you need one of the majors listed here. In addition to the major and the minor, you must also complete a professional development in which you have the freedom to take language courses, explore various career paths, or acquire career-preparatory personal competencies, among other things. The programme duration is 3 academic years (6 semesters).

Entry/Admission requirements

The bachelor's degree programme in philosophy can be entered only in the winter semester. One admissions requirement is the general or relevant Abitur (high school graduation), but there are also several options for access without Abitur. Most philosophy classes are taught in German, so good German language skills are required. Moreover, sufficient English language competence is mandatory.

Programme content

The bachelor's degree programme in philosophy covers three areas, which are equally important and complement each other. Within each area, you are free to choose the focus of your studies:

Theoretical philosophy is concerned with truth and knowledge as well as with the limits of knowledge. It examines the structure of mind and consciousness, and it explores the fundamental nature of reality.

Practical philosophy considers human action in the broadest sense. It deals with questions such as what is good and just, what moral duties we have, and how we can live a good life. Socially relevant issues are also addressed: How can political institutions be legitimized? Who is responsible for climate protection, and to what extent? What is racism?

History of philosophy examines the historical foundations of philosophical theories. Philosophical classics offer a rich trove of philosophical thought and a sophisticated vocabulary for describing and analysing different problems.

Programme structure

The bachelor's degree programme in philosophy is structured in three academic years. In each of them, certain modules must be completed, each of which consist of two or three courses with related contents. The modules of the first year of study are called propaedeutic modules (Propädeutikmodule). In the second year of study, you will deepen your attainments in the basic modules (Basismodule). In the third year of study, you can set your own study focus and choose between several advanced modules (Aufbaumodule). The modules consist of three types of courses: Lectures provide a broad overview of philosophical debates or periods in the history of philosophy. Exercises are conducted in small groups and focus on acquiring fundamental philosophical skills. Seminars provide a platform for critical discussions and delve into specific texts or topics that are intensively analyzed throughout the semester.

The following list contains all modules and courses of the major subject. The examination number is provided for each course in parentheses. Using the examination numbers, you can identify in your Leistungsübersicht which courses you have already completed and which are still missing.

Year 1 (semesters 1 and 2)

You have to complete a total of 8 courses from 4 propaedeutics modules, each consisting of 2 courses:

  • Logic: 1 Lecture/Seminar (2521) + 1 Exercise (2522)
  • Theoretical Philosophy I: 1 Lecture (2531: Epistemology or Metaphysics) + 1 Exercise (2532: Argumentation)
  • Practical Philosophy I: 1 Lecture (2541: Ethics) + 1 Exercise (2542: Scientific working methods)
  • History of Philosophy I: 1 Lecture (2551: Ancient Philosophy or Medieval Philosophy) + 1 Exercise (2552: Fundamentals of Philosophy)

In all 8 courses, you must obtain a participation certificate called Beteiligungsnachweis (BN). Additionally, in the Logic module and 2 other modules, you will take a final examination called Abschlussprüfung (AP) in the form of a written test (Klausur). There is no need to take an AP in one of the modules. Further information about the first year of study can be found on the website for First-year students.

Admission to the AP of a basic module requires passing all 3 final examinations in the propaedeutic modules.

Year 2 (semesters 3 and 4)

You have to complete a total of 9 courses from 3 basic modules, each consisting of 3 courses:

  • Theoretical Philosophy II: 1 Lecture (2571: Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, or Logic II) + 1 Seminar (2572) + 1 Seminar or Exercise (2573)
  • Practical Philosophy II: 1 Lecture (2581: Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, or Social Philosophy and Cultural Philosophy) + 1 Seminar (2582) + 1 Seminar or Exercise (2583)
  • History of Philosophy II: 1 Lecture (2591: Modern Philosophy or Contemporary Philosophy) + 1 Seminar (2592) + 1 Seminar or Exercise (2593)

In all 9 courses, you must obtain a BN. Additionally, in all 3 basic modules, you will each complete an AP in the form of a Klausur, Hausarbeit, Studienarbeit, or oral examination, with at least one AP being an oral examination.

To be eligible for the AP of an advanced module, you must have passed the AP of the corresponding basic module in the relevant area (Theoretical Philosophy, Practical Philosophy, History of Philosophy).

Year 3 (semesters 5 and 6)

You have to complete a total of 6 seminars from 3 advanced modules by choosing 3 of the following advanced modules, each consisting of 2 advanced seminars:

  • Theoretical Philosophy IIIa: Logic, Language and Knowledge: Advanced Seminar (2611) + Advanced Seminar (2612)
  • Theoretical Philosophy IIIb: Being, Mind and Science: Advanced Seminar (2621) + Advanced Seminar (2622)
  • Practical Philosophy IIIa: Ethics and Justice: Advanced Seminar (2631) + Advanced Seminar (2632)
  • Practical Philosophy IIIb: Politics and Culture: Advanced Seminar (2641) + Advanced Seminar (2642)
  • History of Philosophy III: Advanced Seminar (2651) + Advanced Seminar (2652)

In all 6 advanced seminars, you must obtain a BN. Additionally, in all 3 advanced modules you have chosen, you will complete an AP in the form of a Klausur, Hausarbeit, Studienarbeit, or oral examination, with at least one AP being a Hausarbeit. Each AP of an advanced module is given double weight in the overall grade.

Finally, students majoring in Philosophy must write a Bachelor's thesis. This is typically done in the sixth semester. You can find many important details about the Bachelor's thesis in the Prüfungsordnung.

The following list contains all modules and courses of the minor subject. The examination number is provided for each course in parentheses. Using the examination numbers, you can identify in your Leistungsübersicht which courses you have already completed and which are still missing.

Year 1 (semesters 1 and 2)

You have to complete a total of 6 courses from 3 propaedeutics modules, each consisting of 2 courses. The Logic module is compulsory:

  • Logic: 1 Lecture/Seminar (4521) + 1 Exercise (4522)

Besides, you have to choose 2 of the following modules:

  • Theoretical Philosophy I: 1 Lecture (4531: Epistemology or Metaphysics) + 1 Exercise (4532: Argumentation)
  • Practical Philosophy I: 1 Lecture (4541: Ethics) + 1 Exercise (4542: Scientific working methods)
  • History of Philosophy I: 1 Lecture (4551: Ancient Philosophy or Medieval Philosophy) + 1 Exercise (4552: Fundamentals of Philosophy)

In all 6 courses, you must obtain a participation certificate called Beteiligungsnachweis (BN). Additionally, in the Logic module and one of your chosen modules, you will take a final examination called Abschlussprüfung (AP) in the form of a written test (Klausur). There is no need to take an AP in one of your modules. Further information about the first year of study can be found on the website for First-year students.

Admission to the AP of a basic module requires passing all 2 final examinations in the propaedeutic modules.

Year 2 (semesters 3 and 4)

You have to complete a total of 6 courses by choosing 2 of the following basic modules, each consisting of 3 courses:

  • Theoretical Philosophy II: 1 Lecture (4571: Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, or Logic II) + 1 Seminar (4572) + 1 Seminar or Exercise (4573)
  • Practical Philosophy II: 1 Lecture (4581: Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, or Social Philosophy and Cultural Philosophy) + 1 Seminar (4582) + 1 Seminar or Exercise (4583)
  • History of Philosophy II: 1 Lecture (4591: Modern Philosophy or Contemporary Philosophy) + 1 Seminar (4592) + 1 Seminar or Exercise (4593)

In all 6 courses, you must obtain a BN. Additionally, in the 2 basic modules you haven chosen, you will each complete an AP in the form of a Klausur, Hausarbeit, Studienarbeit, or oral examination.

To be eligible for the AP of an advanced module, you must have passed the AP of the corresponding basic module in the relevant area (Theoretical Philosophy, Practical Philosophy, History of Philosophy).

Year 3 (semesters 5 and 6)

You have to complete a total of 2 seminars by choosing 1 of the following advanced modules, each consisting of 2 advanced seminars:

  • Theoretical Philosophy IIIa: Logic, Language and Knowledge: Advanced Seminar (4611) + Advanced Seminar (4612)
  • Theoretical Philosophy IIIb: Being, Mind and Science: Advanced Seminar (4621) + Advanced Seminar (4622)
  • Practical Philosophy IIIa: Ethics and Justice: Advanced Seminar (4631) + Advanced Seminar (4632)
  • Practical Philosophy IIIb: Politics and Culture: Advanced Seminar (4641) + Advanced Seminar (4642)
  • History of Philosophy III: Advanced Seminar (4651) + Advanced Seminar (4652)

In all 2 advanced seminars, you must obtain a BN. Additionally, in the advanced module you haven chosen, you will complete an AP in the form of a Hausarbeit. This AP is given double weight in the overall grade.

Programme objectives/Career prospects

A study of philosophy imparts a broad spectrum of methodological, analytical and language skills that are in great demand in various professions. On the website Berufsperspektiven (in German), you will find more information and relevant courses at the department of philosophy and at Heinrich Heine University. Philosophical expertise can be used in tackling concrete problems in life and practice. Employers from various sectors appreciate the ability to grasp problems quickly, to understand complex contexts, and to present solutions clearly. Philosophers work, for example, in public relations, consulting, science management, journalism, and adult education.

Quelle: Youtube.com

Academic Counselling

Photo of
  • Dr. Christoph Schamberger
  • Academic Counselling for Bachelor Philosophy

  • Building: 24.52
  • Floor/Room: 01.24
  • Office Hours

    Appointments for office hours can be made by e-mail.

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