The degree program is divided into four phases

• In the first, one-semester study phase, students acquire basic knowledge of the content, methods and working techniques of philosophy in general and of argumentation theory and logic in particular in the module “Propaedeutics”.
• The second study phase (first to third semester) serves as a historical-systematic introduction to the most important sub-disciplines of philosophy, and also provides an overview of the history of philosophy.
• In the third study phase (third to fifth semester), students deepen their basic knowledge in selected sub-disciplines of theoretical and practical philosophy.
• The fourth study phase (fifth and sixth semester) finally serves the training for independent scientific work (in-depth modules).

After the first year, students take a basic and orientation examination. At least the basic module I (10 ECTS credits) and one of the basic modules IIA or IIIA with a total of 10 ECTS credits must be successfully completed.

Key qualifications

The study program is completed by the acquisition of 20 ECTS credits in the area of key qualifications. In particular, modules for the acquisition or deepening of knowledge of Greek or Latin are recommended, or modules offered by Medicine or Natural and Technical Sciences for the area of “Key Qualifications”.

Bachelor thesis

The bachelor thesis is written in the 1st subject. It should comprise a maximum of 40 pages of text and is assessed with 10 ECTS credits. The acquisition of 120 ECTS credits is a prerequisite for the assignment of a topic for the Bachelor’s thesis. In the subject Philosophy, successful participation in at least one main seminar from the specialization modules Phil 8 and Phil 9 must be proven.

The subject Philosophy can be chosen in the modularized two-subject Bachelor’s program as

• 1st subject (90 ECTS, 36 SWS; 10 modules including Bachelor thesis) or as a
• 2nd subject (70 ECTS, 32 SWS; 8 modules).

With regard to the ability to study, it is recommended to combine the subject Philosophy with Political Science, Sociology, Theater and Media Studies, Education, Art History, English and American Studies or German Studies.

• a desire to read
• a feeling for argumentative-logical connections
• persistent intellectual curiosity, which does not fade even with more demanding and abstract content (no fear of difficult texts!)
• passion for clear, thoughtful, (self-)critical and open-minded thinking
• Interest in writing own scientific texts

Many opportunities open up for philosophy graduates in the current job market, precisely because academic training in philosophy is not aimed at a specific job description. The skills that are taught can be applied in a wide variety of fields.

As in many other courses of study, there is no profession exactly tailored to the philosophy major. Experience shows that philosophy graduates typically find positions

• in media relations (radio, online media, television),
• the publishing industry,
• business and political consulting,
• public relations,
• in science management and foundations,
• partly also in the software sector
• in the software sector.

An academic career is also possible in principle, although it must be pointed out that – as in all university subjects – only a few graduates are permanently employed at the university.