Master's Programme in Philosophy

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 co-ordinator 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.

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.

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 co-ordinator. 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 first two 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 other 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

 See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

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

Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars. The most common forms of assessment are written assignments. At seminars, you and your classmates discuss material you have read beforehand.

Work on the Master's thesis (45 credits) is carried out over several semesters. 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.

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).