Philosophy Schools and Programs in Germany

Philosophy Studies in Germany

Philosophy (Philosophie) is taught at most German universities as a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Master of Arts. The degree is built around reading and discussing philosophical texts and learning to argue precisely, and it is normally taught in German. A particular feature of the German system is that philosophy is very often studied together with a second subject.

SpainExchange lists 19 universities in Germany that teach philosophy. Munich has two, and there is one each in Bonn, Aachen, Berlin, Münster, Ulm, Trier, Stuttgart, Kiel, Regensburg, Heidelberg, Cologne and several other cities.

What students learn

Universität Heidelberg describes the subject as divided into two main areas. Theoretical philosophy asks about the possibilities and limits of knowledge, the structure of consciousness and the relation between mind and matter. Practical philosophy deals with human action: what people may, should or can justifiably do. Universität Stuttgart lists metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of science, aesthetics, philosophy of mind, language and culture, ethics and political philosophy, studied from antiquity to the present day.

Teaching consists mainly of lectures and seminars. In a seminar, one text or topic is studied for a whole semester, and the main form of assessment is the term paper.

How the degree is organised

According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a bachelor's degree usually takes six semesters and can be studied with one subject or with two. A master's degree takes between two and four semesters. In philosophy the combination models differ by university:

• Universität Heidelberg offers the Bachelor of Arts in philosophy as a 25%, 50% or 75% share of a degree, combined with another subject. The standard period of study is six semesters and the course starts in the winter semester only. The consecutive Master of Arts takes four semesters and starts in the winter and the summer semester.
• Universität Stuttgart offers a six-semester Bachelor of Arts in philosophy as a single subject or as a minor subject.
• Universität Kassel teaches philosophy as a combination bachelor's degree: philosophy is the major and a second subject is taken as a minor. The six-semester course includes a six-week internship or an eight-week study stay or language course abroad.
• Universität Potsdam offers philosophy in its two-subject bachelor's degree.

Philosophy is also a school subject, so it can lead to teaching. In Heidelberg the bachelor's degree with the teaching option is the basis for a Master of Education for the Gymnasium.

Admission and language

The bachelor's degrees at Heidelberg, Stuttgart and Kassel have no admission restriction, so applicants who meet the formal requirements and apply on time get a place. Stuttgart accepts applications until 15 September for the winter semester. Kassel takes applications with foreign school-leaving certificates from 1 March to 15 July through uni-assist.

The language of instruction is German. DAAD states that most higher education institutions require German at CEFR level B2 or above, proven with a certificate such as TestDaF or DSH. Applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not recognised in Germany first attend a Studienkolleg.

Some universities ask for other languages too:

• Stuttgart requires English and another modern foreign language, or English and Latin, or Ancient Greek, for the single-subject degree
• Heidelberg asks students of the 50% degree for basic knowledge of Latin or classical Greek by the time they register for the bachelor's thesis; it is not an admission requirement
• Kassel requires English at level B1

Visiting students who do not speak German can take single philosophy courses in English in programmes such as FU-BEST at Freie Universität Berlin, whose subject courses of 6 ECTS credits are taught mostly in English and include philosophy.

Costs

According to DAAD, state higher education institutions generally charge no tuition fees for bachelor's degrees and most master's degrees. Students pay a semester contribution of between €70 and €430; Heidelberg, for example, lists fees and contributions of €189.80 per semester. The state of Baden-Württemberg, which includes Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Freiburg and Ulm, charges non-EU citizens tuition fees of €1,500 per semester. EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian and Swiss citizens need no visa; students who need one have to prove funds of €992 per month (figure valid since January 2025).

Careers

A philosophy degree does not prepare for one particular profession. Universität Heidelberg names publishing, foundations and associations, broadcasting and journalism, administration, the education sector and research as typical fields, and advises students to explore possible employers early through work placements and part-time work.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study philosophy in Germany in English?

The bachelor's and master's degrees checked for this page are taught in German. Single courses in English are available to visiting students in programmes such as FU-BEST in Berlin.

Do I need Latin or Greek to study philosophy in Germany?

It depends on the university. Heidelberg asks for basic Latin or classical Greek before the bachelor's thesis in its 50% degree, and Stuttgart accepts Latin or Ancient Greek as one of several language options. Kassel asks only for English at level B1.

Do I have to combine philosophy with a second subject?

Often, yes. Heidelberg, Kassel and Potsdam teach philosophy in combination with another subject, while Stuttgart also offers it as a single subject.

How long does a philosophy degree take in Germany?

The Bachelor of Arts takes six semesters. The consecutive Master of Arts in Heidelberg takes four more.