Career prospects

An MA in philosophy is very useful for professional work in for instance the media, the scientific library sector and various cultural sectors as well as in several areas of industry or in scientific organisations.

If you are aiming for an academic career, you will begin your doctoral studies after completing your MA.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Start of study

Winter semester | Summer semester

Study structure

You will take part in a compulsory departmental student advice session at the beginning of the MA programme and at the beginning of the third semester. In the fourth semester you will write your master’s thesis and take the final oral exam.

The MA programme consists of modules and amounts totalling 120 ECTS credits. 84 of these ECTS credits should be in the core subject and up to 36 ECTS credits in the supplementary elective area (minor subjects).
Courses in that supplementary area must fit into an interdisciplinary, philosophical overall concept. You may, but you do not have to, choose a supplementary area.

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

• Module guide
• Examination regulation

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

• GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
• Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
• Language courses at the Language Institute
• Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

• Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
• Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
• qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz

• Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
• Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
• Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service

Internship

No internship is required during the MA studies.

Stay abroad

A period of study abroad is always highly recommendable. You can benefit from the great variety of international contacts maintained by the university staff and take part in exchange programmes with leading European and American universities. The university supports study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other funding sources.

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

• Three Questions to Hanan, B.A. Philosophy
• Three Questions to Kurt, B.A. Philosophy

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

• Information page for the study course Philosophy
• What distinguishes the study of philosophy in Konstanz?
• Beauty and the Beast - Why does Philosophy care about animals?
• Lecture recordings (Philosophy)

• B.A degree in Philosophy with the German grade of 2.5 or better. In exceptional cases applicants may be admitted who have completed a degree in another study programme with academic achievements that make a successful participation in the Master's Programme in Philosophy likely (German grade of 2,5 or better is mandatory).
• International applicants need documentation of their German or English language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent, or documentation of IELTS score of at least 7,0 with nowhere less than 6,5 (which amounts to a level of C1), or equivalent. Exempt from the proof of English proficiency are applicants who have earned a B.A. or M.A. degree in study program, where the language of instruction was English.

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Foreign language study applicants

The study programme can be studied in German and English. Therefore, the following proofs are required for an application:

• Option 1:Proof of German language skills corresponding to DSH level 2 or TestDaF level 4 in all four sections.

or

• Option 2: Proof of English language skills at level C1 e.g. by IELTS assessment with an average score of at least 7.0, whereby a minimum of 6.5 must have been achieved in each competence area, or equivalent. Applicants who have obtained a B.A. or M.A. degree in an English-language program are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency.

German and English

You should really enjoy philosophy and be motivated by the desire to deepen your basic knowledge. During your previous undergraduate studies you have already developed your abilities to think logically, to read texts thoroughly and critically, and to structure and write your own. The teaching contents in the department are strongly shaped by the main research areas of the teaching staff. The close interlocking of research and teaching enables you to work at a high scientific level and to independently determine your own areas of special interest from a broad range of courses.

Application documents

Please attach the following documents to your application:

• Documentation of your academic degree including details on course work.
• If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far;
• Current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’).
  
  Important note: Please note the information provided under the tab "Admission requirements".
   

International applicants:

• If your documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions.
• Documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent or documentation of English language skills, IELTS score of at least 7,0 with nowhere less than 6,5 (which amounts to a level of C1), or equivalent. Exempt from the proof of English proficiency are applicants who have earned a B.A. or M.A. degree in study program, where the language of instruction was English.
• Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country

An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.07. | 29.11. - 15.01.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Dr. Michael Kieninger
Room: G 605
Phone: +49 7531 88-2745
Email.: studienberatung-philosophie@uni.kn