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- Bachelor
- Philosophy
- Subject (Secondary and Comprehensive Schools ('Haupt-', 'Real-', 'Sekundar-' and 'Gesamtschule'))
Philosophy Subject (Secondary and Comprehensive Schools ('Haupt-', 'Real-', 'Sekundar-' and 'Gesamtschule'))
Overview
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Duration:
6 semesters
Course Start:
Winter semester & summer semester
Restrictions:
Without NC
1
Apply now!
Put together your degree programme now
Contents of the subject Philosophy
What is a good life? Is there free will? What is science allowed to do? Do we live in a simulation of reality? - If you are looking for answers to these fundamental questions, the Department of Philosophy is the right place for you! This also applies if you are interested in working on such questions with school pupils.
In the academic part of the degree programme, you will systematically and historically examine questions such as these. You will acquire specialised knowledge and learn to understand texts as well as to write and present philosophical work by communicating abstract problems in a generally understandable way. Particular emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of philosophising. After a guided introduction to the programme, you will have the opportunity to set your own content priorities.
The didactic part of the programme focuses on how pupils of Practical Philosophy can be guided and accompanied in dealing with these questions. This prepares you for the Master of Education programme and the teaching profession at grammar schools and comprehensive schools.
Please note that a good knowledge of English is essential for studying Philosophy, as a considerable amount of the literature to be read is written in English.
Contact persons
Advantages of the subject Philosophy at Bielefeld University
Philosophy for Beginners
We make getting started as easy as possible for you: in specialised courses, you’ll be introduced to the key concepts and theories. This gives you a good overview of the subject right from the start and helps you make sense of what you’ve learnt.
Individuality and freedom of choice
Here, you’re not just a matriculation number: people know and help one another; we’re proud of the personal atmosphere here. And you choose the content of the core modules yourself – so even your Bachelor’s degree is tailored to your individual needs.
The Craft of Philosophy
Do you find Philosophy fascinating, but are unsure how to read philosophical texts, how to interpret them, and how to write your own? You’ll learn how to do all this with us – in seminars specially designed for this purpose, with personalised, intensive guidance.
Excellence and Internationality
The Department of Philosophy at Bielefeld enjoys an excellent reputation; our teaching staff are renowned for their internationally recognised, externally funded research within the analytical tradition of philosophy. We have a strong network both at home and abroad and are happy to help you plan stays abroad or get in touch with researchers at other universities.
Inclusion and Diversity
We value an intellectually stimulating environment in which you can work to the best of your ability without feeling excluded – regardless of your background, gender, family situation or physical disability.
Integration of Theory and Practice
The theory and practice of the teaching profession are interwoven right from the start of your degree programme. This takes place in subject-specific teaching methodology modules, but also in dedicated modules that link subject-specific academic knowledge and research with school-based practice.
We make getting started as easy as possible for you: in specialised courses, you’ll be introduced to the key concepts and theories. This gives you a good overview of the subject right from the start and helps you make sense of what you’ve learnt.
Individuality and freedom of choice
Here, you’re not just a matriculation number: people know and help one another; we’re proud of the personal atmosphere here. And you choose the content of the core modules yourself – so even your Bachelor’s degree is tailored to your individual needs.
The Craft of Philosophy
Do you find Philosophy fascinating, but are unsure how to read philosophical texts, how to interpret them, and how to write your own? You’ll learn how to do all this with us – in seminars specially designed for this purpose, with personalised, intensive guidance.
Excellence and Internationality
The Department of Philosophy at Bielefeld enjoys an excellent reputation; our teaching staff are renowned for their internationally recognised, externally funded research within the analytical tradition of philosophy. We have a strong network both at home and abroad and are happy to help you plan stays abroad or get in touch with researchers at other universities.
Inclusion and Diversity
We value an intellectually stimulating environment in which you can work to the best of your ability without feeling excluded – regardless of your background, gender, family situation or physical disability.
Integration of Theory and Practice
The theory and practice of the teaching profession are interwoven right from the start of your degree programme. This takes place in subject-specific teaching methodology modules, but also in dedicated modules that link subject-specific academic knowledge and research with school-based practice.
Career prospects
Following their bachelor’s and master courses, as well as the subsequent induction period, teachers take on a varied, complex and socially responsible role. They shape teaching and learning processes, support and encourage pupils in their personal development, and empower them to shape their own futures as mature and responsible citizens. Career prospects are generally positive, as the demand for qualified teachers is set to continue into the future. Key factors influencing future recruitment prospects include the type of school and subject combination chosen, regional demand, personal mobility and flexibility, as well as decisions and priorities in education policy. Assessments of recruitment prospects are available, for example, from the Ministry of Education of North Rhine-Westphalia.
When choosing subjects, it is also important to take your own interests into account so that you can later teach the subjects you are interested in with enthusiasm. Furthermore, considering the age of the pupils in the respective types of school is helpful in making an informed decision.
When choosing subjects, it is also important to take your own interests into account so that you can later teach the subjects you are interested in with enthusiasm. Furthermore, considering the age of the pupils in the respective types of school is helpful in making an informed decision.
What are the access requirements?
Access to the Bachelor programme is granted to those who have a university entrance qualification suitable for Germany (e. g. German ‘Abitur’).
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.
What formalities are important?
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 Subject (Secondary and Comprehensive Schools ('Haupt-', 'Real-', 'Sekundar-' and 'Gesamtschule')) Philosophy comprise 60 credit points.
Find out about the academic structure model and note the possible combinations.
Application, admission, and enrolment
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).
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.
The courses
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
Possible Combinations
This subject can be combined with the following subjects in the Combined Bachelor's Degree:
Possible combinations for Combined Bachelor with teaching option
Legend
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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
Sidebar
Overview
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Duration:
6 semesters
Course Start:
Winter semester & summer semester
Restrictions:
Without NC
1
Apply now!
Put together your degree programme now
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