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

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.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, Philosophy is an optional subject for pupils from Year 5 onwards. It offers the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics with pupils that are otherwise rarely covered in the classroom, such as dealing with emotions and the rules for living together. In this way, it can make a lasting contribution to personal development and education for democracy. If you are interested in engaging with pupils of different ages in a reasoned discussion of complex and diverse topics, studying Philosophy for a teaching qualification is the right choice for you.

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.