The problem of consciousness: Philosophical and empirical aspects 7.5 credits
About the course
The course is a specialisation in the philosophy of mind. It focuses on one aspect of our mental lives, namely consciousness, by which we here understand the "subjective" aspects of the mind, or "what it is like" to (say) feel pain or see colours. One topic that we consider is the ontological status of consciousness, and especially its relation to the brain. For example, can consciousness be identified with some brain process, or is the relation between consciousness and the brain of some other kind? Another topic concerns our epistemic access to consciousness: To what extent can we come to know and understand consciousness and its relation to the brain? The course covers both philosophical and empirical contributions to these issues.
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Autumn 2025
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The problem of consciousness: Philosophical and empirical aspects
International admissions round
Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
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Starts3 November 2025
Ends18 January 2026
Number of credits7.5 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace50%
Teaching hoursDaytime
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-F1700
Eligibility 90 ECTS credits in anthropology, computer science, linguistics, neuro science, philosophy, psychology or some other subject relevant to cognitive science, or similar. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.SelectionAcademic credits
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
Application and tuition feesAs 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
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The problem of consciousness: Philosophical and empirical aspects
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
Starts3 November 2025
Ends18 January 2026
Number of credits7.5 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace50%
Teaching hoursDaytime
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-17004
Eligibility 90 ECTS credits in anthropology, computer science, linguistics, neuro science, philosophy, psychology or some other subject relevant to cognitive science, or similar. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.SelectionAcademic credits
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 April 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
Application and tuition feesAs 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
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How to apply
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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.
More about application and admission
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