Faculty of PhilosophyPhilosophy – Bachelor 75%
Philosophy is at times viewed as abstract discussion of life’s “big questions”. Although students of philosophy do discuss topics which one might consider life’s “big questions”, they first gain the methods and skills they need to consider these issues in detail. This includes the art of rational argumentation, and informed 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 | 186.35 € / 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 the possibilities and limits of knowledge, the structure of consciousness, the relationship of the mind and material, or other frequently debated questions about why some things exist, and why others don’t. 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).
Philosophy is a highly diverse subject area. Having completed the Bachelor’s degree programme in Philosophy, graduates will have fundamental knowledge of the different philosophical disciplines. Disciplines are sufficiently specialised however, that students will not have exhaustive knowledge of each area. Students generally develop a particular interest for either theoretical or practical philosophy, and so develop a relevant specialisation. Students who are looking to develop a further specialisation may wish to embark on the Master’s degree programme in Philosophy following completion of the Bachelor’s degree programme.
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, covering both theoretical and practical aspects in equal depth. They also consider the history of philosophy via the study of texts from the Antique era, Middle Ages and modern period. Students must cover all areas at least once.
From the third semester, students are able to freely select elective modules from the philosophy modules on offer. With the aim of extending students’ specialist knowledge and developing their general skills, students studying philosophy with a 75% weighting are required to complete two further modules – an elective module, and a module in cross-disciplinary skills.
For each course or lecture, students will be able to complete a different form of assessment: a term paper, or a combination of other forms of assessment. Where philosophy is studied with a 75% weighting, students must write a minimum of five term papers throughout the degree programme.
On completion of a module worth at least six credits, students are considered to have passed the orientation examination.
Students are not required to demonstrate knowledge of Latin or Greek to be admitted to the Bachelor’s degree programme. Students must, however, show proof of completion of the “Latinum” qualification in Latin, or the “Graecum” qualification in Greek, or equivalent proof of proficiency in Latin or Greek, before registering their Bachelor’s thesis.