Program Overview

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University of Fribourg Master Programme in Philosophy

The master programme in philosophy allows students to deepen their understanding of the main issues and currents of Western philosophical tradition, from Antiquity to the contemporary period. An advanced programme is offered in the fields of Systematic Philosophy and History of Philosophy.

Profile of the Study Programme

The master programme in Philosophy offers an in-depth approach to the main issues and currents of Western philosophical tradition, from Antiquity to the contemporary period. The course promotes the development of a critical mind and intellectual autonomy and provides the basic education and tools required by future teachers and philosophy teachers, as well as possibilities for doctorate-level research.

• Systematic Philosophy: epistemology and metaphysics; philosophy of language, of mind and of human sciences; ethics and political philosophy; aesthetics and philosophy of art
• History of Philosophy: ancient philosophy; medieval philosophy; modern and contemporary philosophy

Learning Outcomes and Career Openings

In addition to having in-depth knowledge of philosophical issues and a good grasp of specific methodological tools, students who successfully complete the master programme will also have the ability to think, analyse, summarise and criticise, qualities that form the basis for all debates. Master studies give students the opportunity to put into practice the tools and knowledge acquired during the bachelor course on more advanced and more specific issues.

• Non-governmental organisations
  • national and international Red Cross
• Cantonal and federal administrative departments in Switzerland
  • fields of culture, politics, diplomacy, migration
• Human resources
• Journalism and media
• Consultancies
  • world of finance, medical professions, culture
• Communication and public relations
• Consultants/experts in subjects related to ethics
• Adult education
• Executive positions

Studies Organisation

Structure of Studies

90 ECTS credits + 30 ECTS credits as an option in a minor study programme freely chosen, 3 to 4 semesters

Curriculum

The master programme offers advanced, in-depth training in the following fields:

• Systematic Philosophy: epistemology and metaphysics; philosophy of language, of mind and of human sciences; ethics and political philosophy; aesthetics and philosophy of art
• History of Philosophy: ancient philosophy; medieval philosophy; modern and contemporary philosophy

Admission

Master's degree programmes are built on the knowledge and abilities that were acquired when obtaining a bachelor's degree.

• Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a Swiss university are admitted to a master's degree programme without any preconditions if they have earned 60 or 90 ECTS credits – depending on the chosen master's degree programme – within the corresponding discipline.
• Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a foreign university, provided that the bachelor's degree is recognised and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg.

Minor Study Programmes to be Chosen

• Art History
• Business Informatics
• Chemistry
• Communication and Society
• Comparative Literature
• Computer Science
• Contemporary History
• Culture, Politics and Religion in Pluralist Societies
• Eastern European Studies
• Economics
• Education Sciences
• English Language and Literature
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Sciences and Humanities
• Ethics and Economics
• European Studies
• French as a Foreign Language / French as a Second Language
• French: Foundational Curriculum
• Gender, Society, Social Policy
• Geography
• German
• German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language
• German Literary Studies
• Greek Studies
• History
• Interreligious Studies
• Islam and Society
• Italian
• Latin Studies
• Management
• Mathematics
• Medieval Studies
• Multilingualism Studies
• Musicology and History of Opera
• Pedagogy / Psychology
• Physics
• Politics and Society
• Psychology
• Rhaeto-Romance
• Slavic Studies
• Social Policy and Social Work
• Social Problems, Social Policy and Risk Prevention
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sport Sciences
• Theology

Key Points

Degree Conferred

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Languages of Study

Possibility to study in French, in German or in French and German. Some courses are offered in English.

Options

For information on the optional award of the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German», please contact the relevant Department.

Commencement of Studies

Commencement of studies in the Autumn Semester (September) or in the Spring Semester (February)

Access to Further Studies

Ph.D.