Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts (Integrative study programme)

The single-subject bachelor's degree programme in philosophy can be entered both in the winter semester and in the summer semester. One admissions requirement is the general or relevant Abitur (high school graduation), but there are also several options for access without Abitur. Most philosophy classes are taught in German, so good German language skills are required. Moreover, sufficient English language competence is mandatory.

The Bachelor's degree course in Philosophy is divided into three main areas, which are on an equal footing at the beginning of the course and complement each other. In the further course of your studies, you can set your own focus and choose from a wide range of courses:

Theoretical philosophy deals with truth and knowledge, explores the limits of knowledge, examines the structure of mind and consciousness and asks what holds the world together at its core.

Practical philosophy deals with human action in the broadest sense. It deals with questions such as what is good and just, what moral duties we have and how we can lead a good life. Socially relevant topics are also dealt with here: How can political institutions be legitimized? Who is responsible for climate protection and to what extent? What is racism?

The history of philosophy covers the historical foundations of philosophical theories. Philosophical classics from Plato to Kant to the present day offer a rich treasure trove of philosophical ideas and a differentiated vocabulary for describing and analyzing various problems.

In addition, Logic offers an introduction to logical reasoning and the rules of inference used in it. In Argumentation and Writing, you will learn how to argue precisely and write academic papers. Philosophical Classics are outstanding works that have shaped philosophy. The Contemporary Research Discourses and Focus modules allow you to pursue your own interests and become more familiar with specific philosophical topics.

Modules

A certificate of participation (BN) must be obtained in each course. In addition, a final examination (AP) must be taken for each module. An AP can take the form of a written exam, oral exam, term paper or student research project. In some modules, a specific form of AP is specified. The credit points (CP) indicate the average workload of the modules. One CP corresponds to 30 hours of work.

1. Practical Philosophy 1 (6 CP): 1 Lecture Ethics + 1 Seminar/Exercise + 1 AP as a written exam
2. Theoretical Philosophy 1 (6 CP): 1 Lecture Epistemology + 1 Seminar/Exercise + 1 AP as a written exam
3. History of Philosophy 1 (6 CP): 1 Lecture/Seminar Ancient Philosophy or Medieval Philosophy + 1 Seminar/Exercise + 1 AP as a written exam
4. Logic (9 CP), 1 Seminar/Lecture Introduction to Logic + 1 Exercise Applied Logic + 1 AP as a written exam
5. Argumentation and Writing (9 CP): 1 Seminar/Exercise Argumentation + 1 Seminar/Exercise Writing + 1 AP as a term paper
6. Philosophical Classics (9 CP): 2 Seminars + 1 AP as a term paper
7. Practical Philosophy 2 (9 CP): 1 Lecture in Political Philosophy/Philosophy of Law/Philosophy of Economics + 1 Seminar + 1 AP
8. Theoretical Philosophy 2 (9 CP): 1 Lecture Metaphysics + 1 Seminar + 1 AP
9. History of Philosophy 2 (9 CP): 1 Lecture/Seminar Modern Philosophy or Contemporary Philosophy + 1 Seminar + 1 AP
10. Research Focus (12 CP): 3 Seminars + 1 AP as an oral exam
11. Practical Philosophy 3 (12 CP): 3 Seminars + 1 AP
12. Theoretical Philosophy 3 (12 CP): 3 Seminars + 1 AP
13. In-Depth Research Focus (12 CP): 3 Seminars + 1 AP as a term paper
14. Open Module 1 (15 CP): Courses from other faculties and profile development, no AP
15. Open Module 2 (9 CP): Courses from other faculties + 1 AP
16. Open Module 3 (12 CP): Courses from other faculties + 1 AP

Finally, you must write a Bachelor Thesis. This is usually completed in the sixth semester.

Combination options in the open modules

The open modules of the single-subject Bachelor's degree program in Philosophy allow you to study content from a variety of other subjects from all faculties at MUHS, such as Psychology or Medicine, as well as attend language courses and acquire career-preparing personal skills for a total of 36 CP.
You will find further information here.

Exemplary study plan

The exemplary study plan provides recommendations for a sensible structure of the course and aim to distribute the workload as evenly as possible per semester. But this is not binding; individual deviations are therefore possible.

A study of philosophy imparts a broad spectrum of methodological, analytical and language skills that are in great demand in various professions. On the website Berufsperspektiven (in German), you will find more information and relevant courses at the department of philosophy and at Marien University Hospital & School. Philosophical expertise can be used in tackling concrete problems in life and practice. Employers from various sectors appreciate the ability to grasp problems quickly, to understand complex contexts, and to present solutions clearly. Philosophers work, for example, in public relations, consulting, science management, journalism, and adult education.