Develop an internationally competative competence in philosophy. Study tailor made courses in philosophy on contemporary research areas and be a part of a internationally successful research environment. With a degree in philosophy you will be prepared for an academic career with a focus on philosophy as well as to perform qualified tasks which require a high degree on analytic ability, critical thinking and argumentation.
The master’s program in philosophy offers you the possibility to deepen and develop an inernationally competative competence in philosophy. The program consist of two years of full time studies (120 credits) and is offered on campus in Umeå. The program is primarily for students who seek to further develop their philosophical competence in order to be well prepared for continued studies in philosophy at the doctoral level, as well as other qualified tasks which require significant analytical abilities, critical reflection and argumentation.
The programme is offered in English. Note that some sub-courses may be taken together with online students.
The program focuses on advanced studies in philosophy. During the first year you will take advanced courses in philosophy and write an essay of 15 credits. You can choose to broaden your education during this year by taking up 15 credits of free courses within other areas which you find interesting. Free courses are selected in conversation with the head of the program and can be taken at Umeå university, at other universities in Sweden or at universities abroad if you so choose. It is possible to finish the program after one year of studies with a one-year master (“magisterexamen”).
During the second year you will continue to deepen your knowledge in philosophy with further course work at the advanced level. The purpose of this year is to develop skills necessary in order to prepare you for a continued career within academia as a doctoral student, in Sweden as well as internationally. The second year concludes with a master essay of 30 credits.
Course work during the two years - the “magister” and “master” courses - comprise of sub-courses on various contemporary fields of research in philosophy. Which sub-courses are offered varies from semester to semester. The sub-courses span over a variety of subjects including such topics as moral realism and the philosophy of artificial intelligence. Below you can see a sample of sub-courses which have been given in the past an which may be given again.
Examples of sub-courses at the advanced level:
As a masterstudent in philosophy at Umeå University you will have access to an internationally successful research environment with teachers from many parts of the world. The philosophy unit at Umeå University hosts several strong research environments covering a broad range of philosophical subjects, such as Philosophy of AI and Philosophy of psychiatry. Researchers at the unit are also active in several interdiciplinary projects. As a masterstudent you will have access to environments where researcher from the unit or visiting researchers present ongoing projects. This includes the Higher seminar in philosophy, the annual Burman lectures, as well as workshops and conferences.
First year
Magister course in philosophy, 30 credits. (Mandatory)
Magister theses in philosophy, 15 credits. (Mandatory)
Magister course in philosophy II, 15 credits. (Optional)
Free courses, 15 credits.
Second year
Master course in philosophy, 30 credits. (Mandatory)
Master thesis in philosophy, 30 credits. (Mandatory)
With a master’s degree in philosophy you will be well prepared to start an academic career with philosophy as your main subject, either internationally or in Sweden. The program allows you to develop subject specific skills that are necessary in order to compete for doctoral student positions, but also skills with a general application that will prepare you for qualified tasks which require a high degree of analytic ability, problem solving and intellectual creativity. A master’s degree in philosophy will also provide skills that are useful when pursuing a career within public or private sector as administrator, investigator, analyst or consultant.
After completing the study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Philosophy Degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) is Filosofie masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Philosophy.
A student who chooses to only complete the programme's first two semesters can obtain a Philosophy Degree of Master of Arts (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Arts (60 credits) is Filosofie magisterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Philosophy.
How do I get a Master's degree in Philosophy at Umeå? What courses do I have to take?
A master’s degree requires:
By completing the master’s program in philosophy you will fulfill these criteria. The program includes courses of 75 credits and two degree papers of 45 credits total. This means that after completing the program you will have 120 credits of courses on the advanced level in philosophy, including a degree paper of 30 credits.
For more information about degrees, see: https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/faq-about-degrees/
What are the costs?
For information on tuition fees and funding, see https://www.umu.se/en/education/fees-and-scholarships/
When is the application deadline?
You can find the key dates and deadlines for application to the autumn semester here: https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/key-dates-and-deadlines/autumn-semester-dates/
Is the teaching online or on campus in Umeå?
The program is offered on campus in Umeå. Some courses may be taken together with online students, in which case the teaching will be online.
Do I need to travel to Sweden to get a degree?
While courses on the advanced level in philosophy usually involve significant freedom when planning one’s studies, it is not feasible to complete the program through distance studies only. The program is offered on campus and may involve activities which require you to be on campus.
How long is a semester?
The autumn semester in Sweden starts in the beginning September and ends in January.
The spring semester starts in January and ends in the beginning of June.
How many courses do you take per semester?
The course work is typically divided into sub courses of 7,5 credits each. This means that during the first semester you will typically take 4 sub courses (on different topics), during the second semester you will take 2, and during the third you will take 4 sub courses.
Do I have to get a Magister degree first to get a Master's degree?
No. A “magister degree” corresponds to a “one-year master” (roughly) and is an option for those who do not wish to complete a master’s degree.
Do I need a Master's degree to apply for a PhD-position?
At Swedish universities a magister degree is typically sufficient in order to be eligible for a PhD-position. However, a Master’s degree is recommended for students who wish to pursue an academic career.
What specific courses are given at Umeå University?
The course work is divided into three blocks: magister course, magister course II and master course. Within each block you have the ability to choose from different sub-courses and the content of these sub-courses varies from year to year. Examples of courses which have been offered in the past (and which may return) are: