Philosophical Perspectives on the Aims of Education 7.5 credits

About the course

This course provides an overview of the epistemology of education. The aim of the course is to promote a critical and reflective perspective on the teacher’s role, based on philosophical work in epistemology and the philosophy of education. The course is useful both for new student teachers and for practitioners seeking new perspectives for further development.

The course covers various aspects of education, including knowledge transmission, challenges to the knowledge model, education for understanding, fostering understanding, teaching for skill and practical knowledge, critical thinking, as well as trust, honesty, and expertise in the classroom. It also examines philosophical models and approaches for promoting understanding and intellectual virtues such as curiosity and critical thinking.

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Autumn 2026
- Philosophical Perspectives on the Aims of Education
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  HT26 / Varied / English / Web-based (online)
  
  Submit a late application
  
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  Starts
  2 November 2026
  
  Ends
  17 January 2027
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  Web-based (online)
  
  Mandatory meetings on campus
  0
  
  Mandatory remote sessions
  0
  
  Optional sessions
  No optional sessions
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Mixed
  
  Study location
  Varied
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-6130C
  
  Outline for distance course
  
  Mandadory online meetings for instruction and examination may be included.
  
  For the course, a computer (Windows 11 or macOS) as well as a headset and an external webcam (e.g. tablet or mobile phone) are recommended. The possibilities of using the learning platform Canvas via mobile or tablet are limited. Chrome is the recommended web browser.
  
  Eligibility
  
  60 credits in a humanities or social science subject. In addition, English 6/Level 2.
  
  Selection
  
  Academic credits awarded by application deadline (HPGR 1-165 ECTS)
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 12,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

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