Master's Programme in Philosophy

120 credits

What is the nature of reality? What can be known? What is the relationship between language, language users, and the world? How should we live our lives? Are there objective moral truths? What is good and bad science? The Master's Programme in Philosophy provides you with tools for thinking about such fundamental issues in a precise way, as well as giving you extensive guidance on how to write philosophical texts. You will widen your general philosophical education and specialise in practical or theoretical philosophy.

Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.

Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

1 September 2025

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university with main field of study in the humanities or social sciences. The transcript should include at least 60 credits in philosophy, including at least one course assessed by a written assignment of 2000 words or more in which you engage with philosophical questions.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies, a statement of purpose and a writing sample in English or Swedish of 2,000 words or more where they engage with philosophical questions.

Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.

Fees

If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.

First tuition fee instalment: SEK 50,000
Total tuition fee: SEK 200,000

About the programme

The Master's Programme in Philosophy is a unique international two-year programme, taught in English, that is designed for students who want to advance their studies in the field of philosophy. Through the programme you will broaden and deepen your knowledge of philosophy, while having the opportunity to specialise in a research area of your choice.

During the programme, you can expect to:

broaden your knowledge and skills in philosophy,
specialise in either practical or theoretical philosophy,
influence the design of your studies with the guidance of the programme director and thesis supervisor, and
take courses given by internationally recognised researchers.

The Department of Philosophy offers specialised supervision in a wide range of subject areas within philosophy, including the central subjects of theoretical analytic philosophy (philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, philosophy of logic, and philosophy of science) and of practical philosophy (metaethics, normative ethics, rationality and normativity, philosophy of law, and applied ethics). The Department also has significant strengths in aesthetics, the history of philosophy, and the intersection of the study of philosophy and anthropology.

The structure of this programme closely mirrors that of a Swedish doctoral programme. If you wish to continue your studies at the doctoral level in Sweden or elsewhere in the world, this programme will be an excellent preparation for your future research career.

Student Profile

Students in the programme usually have a background in philosophy, but some students do have their major in other disciplines within the humanities or social sciences. There are usually around 20–25 active students, representing a wide range of nationalities.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) with Theoretical Philosophy or Practical Philosophy as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Arts (60 credits).

Content

The Master's Programme in Philosophy has a duration of two academic years (120 credits). You can opt for a one-year version (60 credits), but the programme is best suited for two years of study.

At the beginning of the programme, you will make an individually tailored study plan together with the programme director. This is a comprehensive plan detailing the courses you will take and how you will organise the writing of your Master's thesis.

The two-year programme consists of coursework equivalent to 75 credits, and a Master's thesis of 45 credits. You will choose to specialise in practical philosophy or theoretical philosophy.

There are three mandatory courses: Writing and Doing Philosophy, Central Texts in Philosophy, and Master Class. The purpose of the two first courses is to introduce and discuss a selection of Western philosophy's historical and contemporary classics, paying special attention to methodological questions including: What is philosophy? What are its tools and methodologies? What is philosophical writing and argumentation? The course Master Class is usually connected to the Hägerström Lectures, an annual series of lectures given by an internationally recognised researcher invited to the department.

You will also take elective courses. At the Department, you can choose courses in theoretical philosophy, practical philosophy, and aesthetics.

You may also choose to include an internship in your studies, equivalent to either 7.5 or 15 credits. You are responsible for taking the initiative and finding a suitable internship.

The 45-credit Master's thesis is to be written over several semesters. The thesis will enable you to undertake an in-depth study of an area or question that you have chosen together with your thesis supervisor and programme coordinator.

Courses within the programme

Below is a standard outline for the two-year Master's programme.*

Semester 1

Writing and doing Philosophy, 7.5 credits (mandatory)
Central Texts in Philosophy, 7.5 credits (mandatory)
Elective courses, 15 credits in total

Semester 2

Elective courses, 22.5 credits in total, possibly including Master Class, 7.5 credits
Master's thesis work, 7.5 credits

Semester 3

Elective courses, 15 credits in total
Master's thesis work, 15 credits

Semester 4

Master thesis work, 22.5 credits: completion of Master's thesis and defence in a Master's seminar
Elective course, 7.5 credits; must be Master Class if not taken in semester 2

* For the one-year Master's degree (60 credits), your Master's thesis is 30 credits. You will start the programme with the course Writing and Doing Philosophy, two elective courses and launch your thesis work with 7.5 credits. In the second semester, you will take the course Master Class and then focus on completing your Master's thesis (22.5 credits).

Learning experience

Courses are typically worth 7.5 credits and run for five weeks.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, and independent work guided by study questions. The most common forms of assessment are written assignments and take-home exams.

At seminars, you and your classmates discuss material you have read beforehand.

Work on the Master's thesis (45 credits) is carried out over at least two terms. Participation in a regular Master's seminar, where students present and discuss their work, is an important part of this work.

The language of instruction is English.

Career

This programme provides you with a deep and diverse set of analytical skills applicable across a variety of career paths. In addition, the supervised writing of a Master's thesis and the written coursework will develop your analytical writing skills. The rigorous reasoning and writing skills associated with philosophy are an asset in diverse careers, including journalism, policy analysis, teaching, work in governmental and non-governmental organisations, business, financial sector, and even law for those with appropriate qualifications.

The training is also highly suitable for students who wish to continue their philosophical studies at the doctoral level, either in Sweden or elsewhere in the world.

Career Support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to participate in various activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

Contact

For programme-specific information, please contact Programme Director Andreas Stokke:
andreas.stokke@filosofi.uu.se
For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
study@uu.se

Admitted or on the waiting list

Find information about the programme start and registration in the student gateway.