Faculty of Philosophy Philosophy – Bachelor 50%
“Philosophising” is at times equated with an abstract discussion of the “big questions”. Even if one sometimes discusses what can be called “the big questions” during one's studies, it is not a matter of immediately ascending eloquently to the Olympus of knowledge, but rather of first acquiring, in small steps, the tools to adress the “big questions” in a dignified and precise manner. This includes, on the one hand, training in the art of rational argumentation; on the other hand, guided reading of central philosophical texts.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts |
| Type of programme | Undergraduate |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 6 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | usually German |
| Fees and contributions | 151.05 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Subjects with no admission restrictions |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Teaching degree option | Yes |
| Part-time option | Yes |
Course Content
A broad differentiation is generally made between theoretical and practical philosophy; the former considers, for example, the possibilities and limits of knowledge, the structure of consciousness, the relationship of the mind and material, or the frequently debated question as to why anything exists at all rather than nothingness. Practical philosophy considers human behaviour in the broader sense, asking what human actions are, what role human intentions play, and what humans may, should or can justifiably do.
Philosophy often involves simultaneous study of classical texts, philosophical history and consideration of systematic questions (such as epistemology, ethics and aesthetics).
Anyone who studies Philosophy will notice that the subject is highly diverse. At the end of your studies, you will probably know the various disciplines, but you will hardly have exhaustive knowledge of each area. The discussions in the disciplines are too specialised for that. You will probably develop a particular interest in one or the other discipline and specialise yourself. For those who are looking for a specialisation, it is a good idea to complete a Master's degree after graduating with a Bachelor's degree.
Course Structure
The degree programme is modular. Students must attend the two introductory courses (propaedeutics) in the first two semesters. Students then complete modules in Systematic Philosophy, which is divided into theoretical and practical, and History of Philosophy, in which texts from the Antique era or the Middle Ages and modern period are read and worked on. All areas must be covered at least once.
From the third semester onwards, seminars in Philosophy specialisation area are freely chosen. In the 50% degree programme, an additional module block is provided: the cross-disciplinary skills. If you choose the degree programme without the “teaching profession option”, you may attend other courses and internships than with the teaching profession option. More detailed information on this can be found in the course guidelines and in the examination rules and regulations.
Different examination performances are offered in the courses: a term paper or a combination of other forms of assessment. A minimum number of term papers must be written in the entire philosophy programme: in the 50% programme three term papers are required.
As soon as a module has been completed with at least six credit points, the orientation examination is considered to have been passed.
Students are required to submit documentation certifying basic knowledge in Latin or classical Greek in the 50% degree programme by the time they register for the Bachelor's thesis at the latest; proof of language proficiency is not an admission requirement!
The polyvalent Bachelor's degree opens up two qualification options: the academic training can serve as the basis for the Master of Education in the Lehramt Gymnasium profile if the career goal is to become a teacher. At the same time, the polyvalent Bachelor can be the basis for a Master of Arts or Master of Science. This study decision can be made during the Bachelor's degree programme.
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