New students can choose between two study programmes, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Education programme (BEd).
Bachelor's programme
The bachelor's programme lasts for six semesters, during which you will receive basic philosophical training. Depending on your priorities, you can study philosophy as a major or minor. At the end of your studies, you will earn the academic degree of Bachelor of Arts, which is a first degree qualifying you to enter a profession.
The bachelor’s programme is comprised of compulsory and elective courses. The compulsory courses are made up of the so-called core courses that cover major philosophical topics. They have been designed to provide an overview of all philosophical sub-disciplines, so that students develop an understanding of philosophy that is both deep and broad. All bachelor's students are required to attend two logic courses, where they will study basic argumentative and formal techniques.
Besides these compulsory courses, students are further required to attend seminars and lectures that they are, for the most part, free to choose. The bachelor’s programme also includes a two-month internship as well as transferable skills courses.
Here, you will find information on the major in philosophy (BA) as well as the minor in philosophy (BA).
The Central Examination Office has a copy of the examination regulations for the bachelor’s programme available online.
Those of you who would like to continue your studies at an advanced academic level after earning your bachelor’s degree can apply for our master’s programme, which will take another four semesters to complete.
Bachelor of Education Philosophy/Ethics
During your Bachelor of Education programme, you will be studying two main subjects. The programme takes a total of six semesters to complete. During your studies, you will acquire skills in logic and argumentation, attend introductory seminars on traditional philosophical questions and you will be introduced to reading and interpreting philosophical authors.
In addition to these elements, the Bachelor of Education programme also includes courses in didactics, educational science and an orientation internship. The Bachelor of Education programme concludes with the bachelor’s examination.
To qualify for the Bachelor of Education programme, you need to have earned your “Latinum” or “Graecum”. If you have not earned the required Latin or Greek qualifications with your higher education entrance qualification, you may catch up during the first two semesters.
Here, you will find information on the Bachelor of Education Philosphy/Ethics programme.
I decided to study philosophy in Konstanz because I really liked the welcoming atmosphere. The University of Konstanz is a campus university, which means that everything is centrally located. It was easy for me to get my bearings as a new BA student, and I was given all the information and support that I needed. The Student Council Philosophy was especially helpful. The content of the study programme is fairly accessible; and if you like, you can take part in additional seminars and cross-disciplinary events. Besides this, it was also its location that made the University of Konstanz the perfect choice for me: The canteen overlooking Lake Constance, the quiet, picturesque campus setting and the charming City of Konstanz all speak for themselves.
Core courses
If you want to get an idea of what you will be studying in our core courses, why not have a look at these sample teaching materials?
Core course 1: Grundbegriffe der praktischen Philosophie (basic concepts in practical philosophy)
Core course 2: Erkenntnistheorie (epistemology)
Core course 3: Ethik und Moralphilosophie (ethics and moral philosophy)
Core course 4: Wissenschaftstheorie (philosophy of science)
Core course 5 on theoretical philosophy
I have been here in Konstanz for nine semesters and I have to say that I know exactly why. Studying philosophy in Konstanz is an excellent choice. Whether you are interested in the theoretical or practical aspects of philosophy, you are sure to find something to tickle your fancy. What is so special about Konstanz is the excellent staff-student ratio. With five professorial chairs and approximately 400 students, overcrowded office hours are virtually an unknown phenomenon. Our lecturers have the time to address our questions. Here, there is no such thing as false timidness, which means that you can ask any question. This is why we, as students, are not afraid to dive right into the deep end and to achieve things far beyond anything you could otherwise expect in the seminars. Our Student Council is incredibly eager to make everyday student life as pleasant as possible. They organise barbecues in the summer and the departmental Christmas celebrations. Here, too, there is no distinction between the teaching staff and the students, which makes it incredibly easy to get to know your lecturers as regular people, not just as “teachers”.
The Department of Philosophy feels like a small and close-knit family, which not only benefits the research in the department, but also, and especially, us as students. We enjoy belonging to the university’s smallest department, which means that we feel at home and get to have a say in the way we are taught right from the beginning. Both our dedicated and renowned teaching staff as well as the particularly cordial and welcoming Student Council ensure that we get all the advice and help that we need, helping us make the most of the early stages of our studies. The five professorships with their many staff members offer excellent teaching that is characterised especially by its interdisciplinarity - not a single area of philosophy, systematic as well as historical, goes unnoticed. Anyone who values outstanding teaching, likes to engage in an active student body and enjoys discussing basic questions in philosophy is exactly right at the University of Konstanz.
As a student of philosophy at the University of Konstanz, you will benefit from a broad range of interesting courses and illuminating discussions. I especially like the fact that students have a say in the curriculum. Due to the comparatively small department, you feel at home right away and can always rely on finding a contact person happy to help if you have questions.