Philosophie, M.A.
Philosophy as methodical thinking deals in a specific way with the challenges of an increasingly complex world. It offers the possibility of conceptually addressing fundamental questions, analyzing systems and structures, and developing differentiated perspectives on current problems by incorporating normative aspects.
Programme facts
| Degree | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
| Language of instruction | English, German |
| Required German | C1 |
| Study mode | Full-Time |
| Start | Winter semester, summer semester |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 15.12, summer semester until 01.06 |
| Admission | No admission restriction: every eligible applicant is admitted |
| Tuition fee | €0 per semester for international students |
| Semester contribution | €352.15 per semester |
What the tuition fee consists of
Will I get in
Every applicant who meets the formal requirements is admitted — but places can run out before the deadline, so apply at the start of the window.
How the selection works and how strong the competition is — we go through it against your certificate when we select programmes for you.
Programme selection →What you study
The Master's program conveys the international state of knowledge in the chosen disciplines and trains students in the application of subject-specific methods. Students are enabled to familiarize themselves with the current state of research in selected areas of philosophy and to independently apply and critically evaluate philosophical modes of thought and argumentation. The aim is to foster independent and analytical thinking as well as the ability to independently address philosophical questions in speech and writing and to apply philosophical expertise to address current life and practical problems. Furthermore, the Master's program explores the potential of philosophy for intercultural and interdisciplinary dialogue.
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
You can find more detailed information about career prospects and learn about the diverse opportunities that await you at our institute and at Heinrich Heine University. Philosophical expertise can be applied to great advantage in addressing concrete life and practical problems. The ability to quickly grasp problems, understand complex relationships, and confidently present solutions is valued in a wide variety of sectors. Philosophers work, for example, in public relations, political consulting, science management, journalism, and adult education.
Cost of study
| Tuition fee of the federal state (North Rhine-Westphalia), international students | €0 |
|---|---|
| Semester contribution | €352.15 |
Requirements and application
| Previous education | The Master's program in Philosophy requires a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or an equivalent Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Language | German C1 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 15.12, summer semester until 01.06 |
The procedure and the set of documents depend on your certificate. We check the university's requirements against your documents and give you a list: what to submit, how to certify and translate it, where and when to apply.
Check the requirementsHow to get into this programme
- 1Check your certificate and its recognitionDirect admission, a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — this decides the whole plan.
- 2German up to C1 and a certificateDSH or TestDaF has to be passed before you apply.
- 3Documents and translationsCertified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
- 4Application directly to the university until 15.12Send the documents well before the deadline — an incomplete application cannot be completed after it.
- 5Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account in parallel.
How to apply
You can submit the application yourself or with our help — the university decides on admission in both cases.
Applications go through the university's portal or uni-assist. Typical mistakes:
- ×incorrectly made certified copies and translations
- ×a wrong set of documents
- ×the application submitted the wrong way
- ×errors or gaps in the application form
- ×the application submitted at the wrong time — too early or too late
An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is excluded from the selection — it can no longer be corrected after the deadline.
StudyInFocus does not represent the university and does not influence the admission decision. We do not sell study places and do not guarantee admission — this is a service for preparing and submitting documents on the applicant's side.
If your level is not enough yet
The two most common stoppers are a language level below the requirement and a certificate without direct admission. Both can be solved, but they take months — plan them now, not after a rejection.
Questions about this programme
How much does the programme cost?
What language level do I need?
When do I need to apply?
Don't postpone the application
The deadline is 15.12.2026 (62 days left). Language, translations and the document check take months, not weeks. In 30 minutes we will build a plan backwards from the deadline and tell you honestly whether you can make it.