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Universität Duisburg-Essen
Master German + English Social Sciences

Philosophy*

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Universität Duisburg-Essen Nordrhein-Westfalen · North Rhine-Westphalia Location: Essen

About the Program

In the Two-Subject Master's program with the subject 'Philosophy', students acquire specialized knowledge, skills, and methods in the science of philosophy at a high academic level. Students are enabled to describe, explain, and critically evaluate philosophical problems and solution approaches in their historical genesis and systematic differentiation at the academic level of the discipline. They reach the current state of scientific research and are able to develop independent answers to classical and current questions in the respective philosophical sub-disciplines through discourse or sovereign engagement with the specialist literature. The program imparts the following competencies: Students have in-depth knowledge of the essential historical stages and systematic themes of philosophy from antiquity to the present (in-depth subject competence). They are capable of interpreting complex philosophical problems and themes (in-depth hermeneutic competence). Students are able to comprehend and actively develop particularly complex justification and argumentation strategies (in-depth reflection and argumentation competence). They have advanced abilities to examine texts for their conceptual content, their justification structure, and their argumentative success (in-depth conceptual and hermeneutic competencies). Students have the ability to link language learning and philosophizing (transformation competence). Students are able to reflect on their own role as a teacher (self-reflection competence). Students are able to participate in current research in selected areas of theoretical and practical philosophy (area-specific research competence). Students have the competence to scientifically develop and adequately present philosophical research results of greater scope and higher complexity (advanced research competence). The successfully completed Master's degree also qualifies for doctoral studies.
▶ Show the original English text
In the Two-Subject Master's program with the subject 'Philosophy', students acquire specialized knowledge, skills, and methods in the science of philosophy at a high academic level. Students are enabled to describe, explain, and critically evaluate philosophical problems and solution approaches in their historical genesis and systematic differentiation at the academic level of the discipline. They reach the current state of scientific research and are able to develop independent answers to classical and current questions in the respective philosophical sub-disciplines through discourse or sovereign engagement with the specialist literature. The program imparts the following competencies: Students have in-depth knowledge of the essential historical stages and systematic themes of philosophy from antiquity to the present (in-depth subject competence). They are capable of interpreting complex philosophical problems and themes (in-depth hermeneutic competence). Students are able to comprehend and actively develop particularly complex justification and argumentation strategies (in-depth reflection and argumentation competence). They have advanced abilities to examine texts for their conceptual content, their justification structure, and their argumentative success (in-depth conceptual and hermeneutic competencies). Students have the ability to link language learning and philosophizing (transformation competence). Students are able to reflect on their own role as a teacher (self-reflection competence). Students are able to participate in current research in selected areas of theoretical and practical philosophy (area-specific research competence). Students have the competence to scientifically develop and adequately present philosophical research results of greater scope and higher complexity (advanced research competence). The successfully completed Master's degree also qualifies for doctoral studies.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Philosophy

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How do I apply to Philosophy* at Universität Duisburg-Essen?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Philosophy* at Universität Duisburg-Essen

Is Philosophy* at Universität Duisburg-Essen taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Philosophy* programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Philosophy* at Universität Duisburg-Essen? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Philosophy*? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Duisburg-Essen — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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