Theoretical philosophy, Master's Programme
Summary
Two-year program in analytic theoretical philosophy specializing in epistemology, metaphysics and the philosophy of language. The program is in English and fully online. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to compete for doctoral positions worldwide. The skills you develop should also make you attractive for employment outside academia.
About
The program comprises 120 credits of which 30 credits are elective and may consist of courses in theoretical philosophy at either the undergraduate or advanced level, courses in other subjects – including those studied at faculties other than the Faculty of Humanities – at the undergraduate or advanced level, or a combination of the above.
We offer elective courses amounting to 30 credits, which means that it is possible to have your program consist entirely of our courses.
The program is made up of four different types of courses:
Foundations courses
During the first semester, you take two consecutive foundations courses. These courses aim to introduce you to the online format, the research area covered by the program, and the program's overall methodological approach. The first foundations course provides an advanced introduction to—and training in—key methodologies in analytic philosophy: conceptual analysis, thought experiments, explication, abduction, and conceptual engineering, including both formal and empirical aspects of these methodologies. The second foundations course focuses on a set of central philosophical distinctions as they are problematized in Saul Kripke’s Naming and Necessity and the subsequent modern discussion. Practical training in philosophical method is central to both foundations courses.
Topic Courses
Our topic courses provide advanced overviews of the core areas of theoretical philosophy: philosophy of language, epistemology, and metaphysics. We also offer topic courses as part of the program’s elective credit component.
Specialization Courses
Each of our specialization courses provides and advanced, in-depth look at one issue or debate within one of the core areas of theoretical philosophy: philosophy of language, epistemology, and metaphysics. We also offer specializations corresponding to the topic courses provided as part of the program's 30 elective credits. To take a specialization course, you must first have completed the corresponding topic course.
Thesis Writing Course
In the thesis writing course, you identify and address a well-defined problem within one of the core areas of theoretical philosophy, producing a text that is focused, argument-driven, and problem-oriented. You will have the support of a supervisor. The course also includes seminars discussing how to write a thesis – including how to do so in accordance with good academic practice (with integrity, honesty, and precision – and draft seminars where thesis drafts at various stages of completion are discussed under the guidance of a seminar leader.
The program is offered on both a full- and part-time basis, with admission every Fall. All courses (with the exception of the thesis writing course) are taught at half-pace (meaning 10 weeks per course for a 7.5-credit course). If you study full-time, this means that you always take two courses concurrently during each 10-week period.
See the program's webpage on the Student Portal for details about the structur of the program
Programme structure and content
For more information about the structure of the program, visit the Student Portal.
You can also find more information about the courses on the programme Canvas page.
Who should apply?
After this program, you will be able to compete for doctoral positions worldwide. The skills you develop will also make you attractive for a job outside academia.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Admission to the program requires, besides fulfilling basic entry requirements, successful completion of
- at least 90 HEC in philosophy with an analytical-philosophical focus, including a degree project of at least 15 HEC in theoretical philosophy,
- or a bachelor?s degree of 180 HEC?of which at least 90 credits must be in philosophy with an analytic-philosophical focus,
- or the equivalent.
In addition, English 6/English B/English Level 2 or an equivalent level from an internationally recognized test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, is required.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
The program is primarily designed for a career in academia. As you prepare to enter the workforce, you will be assigned a mentor – someone you can turn to for support and advice on matters such as post-graduation plans, how to apply for PhD positions, and so on. You will also have the opportunity to attend lectures on these topics, sometimes featuring guest speakers. Towards the end of your education, a workshop is organized where you can draft and receive feedback on sample applications. The program is also relevant for careers outside academia. Upon completion of the program, you will possess strong skills in conceptual analysis, critical thinking, communication, problem assessment, and problem-solving – abilities that are highly valued in today’s job market.
Exchange opportunities
The program is fully online, which means that you can take our courses from anywhere in the world.
