Philosophy Major Subject (Advanced Secondary and Comprehensive Schools ('Gymnasium' and 'Gesamtschule'))

Contents of the subject Philosophy

Promotion of critical thinking
The degree programme places great emphasis on independent work and independent argumentation. Students are encouraged to question fundamental questions of world understanding and to analyse them through rational argumentation, which strengthens their ability to reflect critically.

Interdisciplinary openness
Philosophy at Bielefeld University is characterised by its interdisciplinary openness towards related sciences. This enables students to consider philosophical issues in a broader context and to establish links with other disciplines such as history, psychology and social sciences.

Strong international focus
Many of the academic texts are written in English, which promotes the acquisition of language skills. This international focus prepares students to navigate a globalised world and promotes an understanding of different philosophical traditions.

Committed teaching and learning culture
The courses are characterised by a lively discussion culture that promotes the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Students benefit from intensive discussions that develop their argumentation skills and create a deep understanding of the topics covered.

Practice-orientated modules
The degree programme includes practical elements that prepare students for their future role as teachers. By combining theory and practical applications, the content learnt is directly transferred to the classroom, which increases the relevance of the programme.
There are particularly good job prospects in primary schools, secondary schools, comprehensive schools, and elementary schools, as well as in integrated special education. There is also a high demand for teachers in STEM subjects (with the exception of biology). Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that you will be teaching this material for a long time. You should therefore be interested in what you teach and study subjects that you are passionate about.Considering the age of the students in the respective school types is also helpful when making this decision.

Access to the Bachelor programme is granted to those who have a university entrance qualification suitable for Germany (e. g. German ‘Abitur’).

Please note: When transferring to the Master of Education degree programme with the subject of Philosophy and the career goal of teaching at Advanced Secondary and Comprehensive Schools ('Gymnasium' and 'Gesamtschule'), proof of knowledge of Latin at the level of the German "Kleines Latinum" or proof of the German "Graecum" is required for the degree of Master of Education up to and including the winter semester 2028/29. From the summer semester 2029, proof of knowledge of Latin at the level of the German "Kleines Latinum" or proof of the German "Graecum" is already required for enrolment (and not only for the degree) of the degree programme.

Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.

Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.

Course start

Studies can be commenced in both winter and summer semesters. Courses are targeted to commencing studies in winter semester. Student counselling to plan the course of studies is recommended.

Length and scope of studies

The standard period of studies is 6 semesters. Information on studying part time.

The studies Major Subject (Advanced Secondary and Comprehensive Schools ('Gymnasium' and 'Gesamtschule')) Philosophy comprise 90 credit points.

Find out about the academic structure model and note the possible combinations.

The study places are not subject to any admission restrictions (numerus clausus). Nevertheless, you need to apply within the currently applicable application deadlines. Afterwards, however, you can submit your application for enrolment directly in the application and status portal, provided that you meet the access requirements.

Step by step to a bachelor programme without NC

Please note that Education Sciences is always a compulsory component of a degree programme with a teaching option (see study structure model) and therefore necessarily requires an application for a study place.

Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.

Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.

Application deadline reminder

To the application portal

You will find the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV.

An overview of the introductory and information events is provided by the central student counselling services.

Possible Combinations

This subject can be combined with the following subjects in the Combined Bachelor's Degree:

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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2026/27 and summer semester 2027.
Information on NC values from previous years