Program Overview

Philosophy MA Program

The Philosophy MA program offered by the Institute of Philosophy at the Faculty of Humanities is a two-year, full-time program comprising four semesters. Students need to have some philosophical background, which means they are expected to have completed a minimum of 30 ECTS credits as part of their BA studies.

Program Structure

• The program enables students to carry out a research program in philosophy and prepares them for doctoral studies.
• Students will have the opportunity to design their own study plan and research program under the supervision of a director of their studies.
• The program is organized in a flexible way, allowing students to plan their studies under the guidance of the director of studies.
• Students are required to choose a focal point in their study and research: either history of philosophy or systematic philosophy.
• They have to earn 48 ECTS credits in subjects belonging to this focal area.

Strength of Program

• The Institute stands out among centers for the study of philosophy internationally for its balance between the history of philosophy and the systematic aspects of the discipline.
• Students gain insight into how issues at the forefront of today’s philosophical research were articulated and tackled through the ages.

Career Opportunities

• This program is recommended to applicants who would like to deepen their knowledge in philosophy and intend to pursue an academic career or intend to work as experts in the humanities, with an emphasis on philosophy.
• Potential employment opportunities include publishing houses, cultural centers, international companies, civil service, or non-governmental organizations.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

• There are two ways applicants can fulfill entry requirements: (i) full credit acknowledgment of degree or (ii) itemized credit fulfillment.
• For the itemized-credit option, applicants holding another university bachelor’s degree are eligible to enter the program if they can show at least 30 credits of coursework spanning the areas of philosophy, aesthetics, and ethics.

Language Requirements

• The language of instruction for the entire program is English.
• Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate a very good level of English-language skills at the C1 level CEFR.
• Preferred minimum results include:
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • TOEFL IBT: 95-120
  • Duolingo: 130

Documents to Submit with Application

• Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate)
• Bachelor-level degree
• Transcript of records
• CV
• Motivation letter (maximum 500 words)
• Essay (5-15 pages total)
• Research work plan
• Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid)
• Copy of application fee payment receipt
• Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt
• Language certificate
• Official English translation of certificates and records if the original language is not English

Optional Documents for Admissions

• Curriculum Vitae in English (in MS Word format with one low-resolution photo)
• Letter of Reference (from a former instructor and/or employer, maximum 2 letters)

Application Procedure

• The application starts in the online application system.
• Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents, and follow the instructions during the application process.
• Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.

Entrance Examination and Selection Process

• The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant.
• Successful applicants must have a good command of English to pass the entrance exam.
• The format of the entrance exam is an online interview.
• Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence and the results of the entrance exam.

Program Leader

• István BODNÁR, Professor

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA students: 2,500 EUR per semester
• Non-EU/EEA students: 2,500 EUR per semester
• Application fee: discounted for Early Bird applicants (EUR 100) or regular (EUR 150)
• Other costs: 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee)

Application Deadlines

• Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11
• Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03
• Period 3: 01/04-31/05

Start Program

• 01, Sep, 2026
• Deadline for applications - September intake: 31, May, 2026
• There is no February intake.