• You should enjoy reading complex texts and dealing with abstract reasoning.
• You should have an interest in engaging in discourse and be able to discuss complex issues both orally and in writing.
• You should possess a basic understanding of how arguments are structured in both written and spoken form. Being able to work in a structured manner is also important.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken German is necessary, as is the ability to read and understand older forms of the German language.
• English proficiency is needed to be able to work with specialist literature.
• Proficiency in an additional foreign language as well as in Ancient Greek or Latin is beneficial.

Proof of a completed bachelor’s degree with a standard period of study of at least six semesters and at least 60 credit points in philosophy/ethics courses earned at a university. Alternatively, proof of an equivalent higher education degree with an equivalent amount of subject-related examinations and coursework.

Specialization in “Ancient Philosophy” and “Medieval Philosophy:” Students choosing a specialization in “Philosophy of Antiquity” or “Philosophy of the Middle Ages must provide proof of basic knowledge of Ancient Greek or sufficient language skills in Latin.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to the level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be proven by the time of enrollment at JGU.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find more information in the master’s degree program’s examination regulations.

The program of study is divided into two parts:

• History of philosophy
• Systematic philosophy

In the first and second semester, you will complete basic and advanced modules in both areas. You can choose a specialization from among the following areas of philosophy from the first semester onward:

• Antiquity
• Middle Ages
• Modern era
• Theoretical philosophy
• Philosophy of science
• Practical philosophy

However, you can also choose not to specialize in a specific area of philosophy and instead study philosophy in its entire breadth.

To conclude your studies, you will complete a research module und write your master’s thesis during your fourth semester. This also allows you to set an individual focus.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

Internships

As a part of the master’s degree program, you must complete a comprehensive internship.

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

The philosophy program in Mainz is practice-oriented and has an international focus, teaching you specific knowledge and skills that will enable you to pursue a career both in academic and non-academic professional fields. These skills include:

• Language skills
• Analytical skills
• Interpretive skills
• Public speaking skills
• Action competence
• Leadership skills
• Foreign language skills

This degree certifies your historical and systematic knowledge of the subject of philosophy, as well as the necessary methodical, performative, and interdisciplinary competencies of a philosopher.

Potential professional fields:

• Research (e.g., university, higher education institutions, research institutions, projects)
• Social organizations (educational institutions, associations, and clubs)
• Public service and administration (e.g., as a specialist consultant, in public relations)
• Advertising, media, and journalism
• Education and culture (e.g., theaters, museums, private and public educational institutions, continuing education, libraries, archives, documentation)
• Business (e.g., business advisory services, consulting, marketing, human resources, corporate training, media, and public relations)

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.