Faculty of Philosophy Philosophy – Bachelor 75%
“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. |
| 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. The two introductory courses (propaedeutics) should be attended in the first two semesters. Afterwards, students complete modules in the areas of systematic philosophy, which is divided into theoretical and practical, and history of philosophy, in which texts from the Antique area or the Middle Ages and modern period are read and processed. All areas must be covered at least once.
From the third semester onwards, seminars in the Philosophy specialisation area are freely chosen. In order to supplement the subject knowledge and to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge, two further module blocks are provided in the 75% degree programme: the Philosophical Supplementary Area and the Cross-disciplinary Skills.
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 75% programme five 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.
Proof of Latin or Greek is not an admission requirement for the BA programme in Philosophy. In the 75% programme, however, the “Latinum” qualification in Latin, or “Graecum” qualification in Greek, or equivalent knowledge of Latin or classical Greek must be proven by the registration of the Bachelor thesis at the latest!
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