Philosophy – Bachelor minor subject

Elective minor in a first degree programme (bachelor). A minor subject may only be chosen in combination with a major subject.

During your studies you will gain an understanding of the theories and positions of classical and contemporary philosophers. You will discuss philosophical questions, such as free will, the rationale of moral norms, the potentials of knowledge and the relationships between language and reality. You will gain insights into the history of philosophy and a variety of its sub-disciplines, and you will be encouraged to develop a range of valuable skills. These include especially the ability to think carefully and analyse critically, to develop structured approaches to reading and writing texts, to critically assess arguments, and the ability to develop your own arguments creatively and independently. The study of philosophy will enable you especially to pose foundational questions and to repeatedly scrutinise and challenge the foundations of existing theories and positions, rather than relying exclusively on a prescribed framework of discussion.

Degree
  • Bachelor minor subject
Start of study
  • Winter semester
Standard period of study
  • 6 Semester
Application period
  • 07.05. - 15.09.
Admission restriction
  • No
Mandatory minor
  • No
ECTS Credits
  • 40
Ø Number of new students
  • 30

Study content

Study structure

Start of study

Winter semester

Study structure

In a variety of basic modules you will learn about the different areas of philosophy. You will attend introductory seminars on logical semantics and take courses in practical and theoretical philosophy. In addition to this, you will also attend two undergraduate courses in the field of history and classical philosophy. In the advanced module you can select an additional undergraduate course of your own choice.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in the Humanities typically consists of a major subject (120 credits) and a minor subject (40 credits). You are also required to attend the "Überfachliche berufsorientierte Qualifikationen" (Interdisciplinary career preparation) module (20 credits) and complete an internship. Please click here to find out more about studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Humanities.

Please find further information on the study plan.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

Opportunities for additional training

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

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Impressions from students and lecturers

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Study requirements

Admission requirements for studying

The same general entry requirements apply for the major and minor:

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Fees

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Required language skills

Foreign language skills
You do not have to proof any foreign language skills.

Teaching and examination language

The languages of instruction and examinations are German and English.

Interests and skills

You should really enjoy working with scientific, complex and often very abstract texts. You should be able not only to read texts thoroughly and critically, but also to structure and write your own. Abstract thinking should come easily to you, and you should have a lively interest in logical and consistent reasoning. Philosophy students also need a good command of English, because a large amount of the relevant literature is written in this language. But most of all you need to have a deep-seated interest in philosophical questions, because this will provide you with the motivation and endurance needed to complete the highly demanding course of study.

If you are uncertain whether the study of philosophy really suits your interests and abilities, you should take a look at the department’s websites. They will provide you with some important tips and examples of original texts that will be explored during your studies. Of course, you are not expected to immediately understand these texts before beginning your studies. But you should certainly feel the desire and be prepared to make the effort to deal intensely with these texts.

Application

Application and application documents

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

  • your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
  • documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
  • any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
  • any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.09.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

Contact

Contact person

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Dr. Michael Kieninger
Room: G 605
Phone: +49 7531 88-2745
Email.: studienberatung-philosophie@uni.kn
 

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