M.A. Philosophy – Philosophy in a European Context
Photo: Jakob Studnar
Part-time Distance Learning
Philosophy is the art of clear, critical, and sometimes visionary thinking. During their studies, philosophers learn to scrutinize the validity of untested assumptions. This not only leads them to valid new insights but also enables them to see lifeworld processes, for example in politics, society and the economy, in larger contexts and to think creatively. You can also study for your master’s degree in Philosophy at the FernUniversität in Hagen via distance learning. The course introduces students to key intellectual traditions across Europe, fosters independent thinking, and broadens their career opportunities in various fields.
Master of Philosophy: Course Content
Philosophy clarifies fundamental questions of science and human existence. What can we know – what should we do? These are just two of the topics that philosophy deals with. The answers that have been developed here from the European context are now being discussed and considered in a global context.
In the master’s program in Philosophy, students build upon their basic philosophical knowledge, enhance their skills for independent academic work, and learn to approach practical problems through a philosophical lens. The degree program consists of two sections: In the first section, students learn the basics of theoretical and practical philosophy; in the second part, students have the opportunity to set their own focus and specialize. In this way, they can get to know different European traditions of thought better and compare them or concentrate on individual fields such as social philosophy, philosophy of law or economic philosophy.
Student Testimonial on the M.A. Philosophy
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“I learned new perspectives on many topics and questioned my own views more than once.”
Photo: Lena Merkle, M.A. PhilosophyFind out more
Career Prospects as a Master of Philosophy
The master’s degree in Philosophy is geared towards philosophical reflection on professions already practiced, but also opens up a wide range of career opportunities in public and private institutions. These include:
- The press, radio, television, online media
- Publishers, museums, archives, libraries
- Research funding and educational policy
- Adult education
Thanks to their structured and analytical thinking, their sensitivity to ethical issues, and their open mindset, philosophy graduates are also highly sought-after specialists in public institutions and companies – for example, in the areas of communication, ethics training and consulting.
Of course, a master’s degree in Philosophy also opens the door to a career in research and teaching. The next step would be a doctorate.
Profile of the Master’s Degree in Philosophy
| Degree: | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
| Type of study | Full-time study, part-time study, part-time distance learning (further education/continuing education), professional qualification with elements of classroom study and online study |
| Study duration: | 4 semesters full-time, part-time studies can be arranged to suit your circumstances |
| Scope: | 120 credit points (ECTS) |
| Start of studies: | Summer semester (April 1) or winter semester (October 1) |
| Enrollment deadlines: | 1 December to 31 January (for the summer semester) 1 June to 31 July (for the winter semester) |
| Costs: | Approx. €1,400 total costs for a full-time course in the standard study period. For part-time studies or a personalized period of study, the total costs increase by a further 60 euros basic fee per semester (plus student body contribution) |
Your benefits at a glance
- Maximum flexibility: You adapt your studies to fit your life – not the other way around.
- Recognized degree: the state-run FernUniversität in Hagen has been offering education at an academic level for around 50 years.
- Good support: The faculties at the FernUniversität in Hagen are particularly committed to providing students with intensive support during their studies.
- Good-value further education: There are no hidden costs involved with distance learning at the FernUniversität in Hagen. You always have full transparency.
- Location-independent & plannable: The FernUniversität in Hagen provides you with learning materials from by post or online via digital learning tools. Events with compulsory attendance are announced well in advance and thanks to the FernUni in Hagen’s 13 German and 7 foreign campus locations are easily accessible for all students.
Want to Know More?
Would you like to find out more about the master’s degree program in Philosophy as a (part-time) distance-learning course? Then take a look at the degree program web page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Here you will find further information on the structure of the course, the specific course content and the admission requirements.
Things You Should Know about the FernUniversität in Hagen
You can find answers to the most important questions and basic information about studying at the FernUniversität in Hagen here:
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In terms of student numbers, the FernUniversität in Hagen is the largest state university in Germany . And it is the only state-run distance learning university. FernUni students can obtain an internationally recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree. Compact certificates complement our range. The flexible study system allows you to adapt your studies to suit your life situation. That's why we are exactly the right choice for the following people:
- Working professionals
- People bringing up families
- High school graduates
- Potential students with no high school diploma
- People with disabilities or chronic illnesses
- Students abroad
- Schoolchildren
- Competitive athletes
- Refugees
- Studying While Incarcerated
- Servicemen and women in the Armed Forces
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No doubt, you have many questions: How does distance learning work? How do I learn? In what format are the exams held? When can I start studying? All the answers are gathered here for our students:
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The Student Advice Service will help you make your decision about what to study at the FernUniversität. Here you will also find further information on how to organize your distance learning course.
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You can find out more about the requirements for any degree program by visiting the website of the relevant faculty. For more information about the master’s degree program in Philosophy, please contact the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
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You can find all the relevant information on enrollment at the FernUniversität in Hagen listed here:
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You can find advice and support close to your home at many locations in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. We also believe that helping students to network with other students is of key importance for later success.
