Philosophy, Master's Programme, 120 Credits

Entry Requirements

A degree in Philosophy at the bachelor's level consisting of at least 180 credits, or equivalent degree. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Alternatively, a degree at the bachelor's level consisting of at least 180 credits, or equivalent degree, including a degree thesis at the bachelor's level of at least 7,5 credits and 60 credits of courses in Philosophy of which 30 credits continuation courses (corresponding to G1F). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Degree

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.

Description of the education for current education cycle

This education is offered at the second cycle level (Advanced). Expectations for second cycle courses and study programs can be found in Chapter 1, Section 9 of the Higher Education Act.

National goals for current degree

The national goals for the degree can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance, Appendix 2.

Examination format

Details of examination procedures (means of assessment) and formats are specified in the respective course syllabus.

Grades

Each course syllabus states what grades are to be used in each course. 

Transfer of Credits

A student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or who has professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course in the study programme, can apply for a transfer of credits. An approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the part, or those parts, of the education that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's website.

General

The programme consists of two years of full-time studies (120 credits) and is offered on campus in Umeå. Students who wish to further strengthen their philosophical competence can complete the programme and thereby be well-prepared for continued studies in philosophy at the doctoral level, as well as for other qualified tasks that require significant analytical abilities, critical reflection, and argumentation. The programme is offered in English.

The programme includes courses (90 credits) and a thesis (30 credits). Students can choose free courses, up to 15 credits, in another subject. The coursework consists of advanced-level philosophy courses. This may include international courses at the advanced level in accordance with Umeå University's and the department's exchange arrangements, as well as national courses at the advanced level.

Students may choose to end the programme after one year of full-time study with a one-year master's degree (60 credits). Students who choose to do so take courses (45 credits) and write a thesis (15 credits). They can take up to 15 credits of free courses as part of the programme. The coursework consists of advanced-level philosophy courses. This may include international courses at the advanced level in accordance with Umeå University's and the department's exchange arrangements, as well as national courses at the advanced level.

Compulsory courses are courses that all students in the programme normally study. Any student who follows the study programme is guaranteed a place in all compulsory courses, provided that the eligibility requirements for the current course are met. Eligibility requirements are specified in the respective course syllabus.

Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the framework of the programme, where the student chooses which of these courses they would like to register for. The student is guaranteed a place in one of these courses, provided that the eligibility requirements for the current course are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a place in their first-choice course. Eligibility requirements are stated in the respective course syllabus.

Free courses within the programme are applied for in open competition. Free courses can be taken at Umeå University or other higher education institutions in Sweden or abroad.

Under the heading "Outline", the courses included in the programme are listed in the order they are taken. 

Deferment of studies

Information about deferment of studies can be found on Umeå University's website.

Approved leave from studies

Information about leave from studies can be found on Umeå University's website.

Discontinuation

Information about non-completion can be found on Umeå University's website.

Other

This programme syllabus is the first syllabus for the program and may be revised. Eligibility requirements for free courses may differ from the eligibility requirements for the programme and it is the student's responsibility to ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements for any free courses they plan to apply for as a part of the programme.

Outline

Semester 1

Semester 2

During the second semester students will typically take advanced courses in philosophy (15
credits) and write a thesis (15 credits). Magister course in philosophy II can be
exchanged for free courses.

Free courses
Students can take up to 15 credits of free courses as part of the programme. These courses can be taken at Umeå University or other universities, and they can be used to tailor the student's degree. All types of courses (campus, online, intensive) can be chosen.

Semester 3

Semester 4