Philosophy (Master's degree subject)A Subject for Creative Free Spirits
Philosophy reflects our understanding of ourselves and the world. In engaging with other disciplines it seeks reasonable and fundamental points of reference—without which science and society would proceed blindly. It can be understood as an argumentative practice aimed at providing reasoned accounts of the basic assumptions underlying our thinking, being, and actions—both to ourselves and to others. These reasons and counter-reasons are developed, above all, through dialogue with texts from both tradition and the present.
Focal areas of teaching and research
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Basel places great importance on ensuring a broad coverage of philosophy in both teaching and research. This is reflected institutionally in three professorships:
- History of Philosophy: Gunnar Hindrichs, with a focus on metaphysics, the philosophy of subjectivity, social philosophy, and aesthetics.
- Practical Philosophy: Angelika Krebs, specializing in political philosophy, (applied) ethics, the philosophy of emotions, and aesthetics.
- Theoretical Philosophy: Markus Wild, with a focus on philosophy of mind, epistemology, philosophy of biology, and early modern philosophy.
Beyond these core areas, members of the academic staff and researchers outside the structural professorships expand the curriculum with topics such as feminist philosophy, climate ethics, animal ethics, plant philosophy, Romantic natural philosophy, philosophy of language, action theory, metaethics, intersubjectivity theory, phenomenology, and philosophy of religion.
The program fosters students’ ability to develop arguments, engage in critique, and enhance their theoretical creativity. At the master's level, students have significant freedom in selecting their courses. Basel offers a wide-ranging curriculum, covering topics from epistemology and philosophy of mind to ethical and aesthetic questions, as well as metaphysical concepts. Methodologically, the program integrates approaches from analytic, phenomenological, and transcendental-reflective philosophy. Historically, it focuses on ancient philosophy, early modern philosophy (empiricism and rationalism), and classical German philosophy.
For more detailed information on the topics taught and researched in Basel, please visit the "Professorships" section and the «Subject Area» section on the website of the Philosophy subject area.
Short profile
| Degree | MA in Philosophy |
| Type | Subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Study structure | The Master's degree is the second degree after the Bachelor's degree and comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP). In addition to philosophy, students choose an independent subject, whereby both subjects are studied for 35 credit points each. The subject in which the Master's thesis (30 CP) is written becomes a major, the other a minor. In addition, there is the free elective area (20 CP). One credit point (CP) ECTS corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | A subject from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or a non-faculty subject can be considered as a second Master's subject. Students can choose it according to their interests and professional goals. The free elective area consists of freely selectable courses that can be used to deepen knowledge of the subjects, to gain insight into other subjects offered by the University of Basel or to acquire language skills. |
| Language of instruction | German, English |
| Subject area | Philosophy |
Master’s admission requirements
Admission to master’s programs is regulated by the university student regulations and the stipulations of the individual degree program descriptions. More details of the general master’s admission requirements are provided here.
For students to be admitted with no additional requirements, they must hold a bachelor’s degree worth 180 CP from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel.
Subject-related requirements are defined in the admission requirements (section 3) of the study program for the relevant subject. The guidelines may also contain further useful information that is key to successful studies.
Registration dates
Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.
Information events
The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the events page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.
Deadlines and dates for the Master's studies
See also factsheets under Documents & Factsheets.
Master's thesis
Fall semester 2024
Fall semester 2026
Master's examinations for students of the subject and degree program
Master's degree
All data subject to subsequent changes.
Career opportunities
In addition to the professional field of universities and schools, philosophy graduates are also offered jobs in companies, administrations, foundations, etc., particularly in the culture and information sectors. The spectrum ranges from academic work at universities and libraries to the diplomatic service, from adult education to education and cultural administration to journalistic work in the press, radio, television and publishing. Philosophers also have good opportunities in management consulting, in human resources departments and in practices for freelance philosophers who offer individual philosophical consultations, coaching, workshops, etc.
Those who wish to continue their studies and pursue an academic career can apply for a Doctoral studies apply for a doctoral program.
Teaching diploma
Graduates who are interested in the teaching profession can study for a teaching diploma for the lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I) or upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II). For details and teaching diploma regulations, please consult the relevant school for teacher education (such as the FHNW School of Education) or the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education.
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Teaching commission
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