Philosophy, Master's Programme 120 credits

While studying

The master’s programme in philosophy gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of philosophy and develop internationally competitive expertise in the field. The programme comprises two years of full‑time study (120 credits) and is offered on campus in Umeå. It is designed for students who wish to develop their philosophical competence to prepare for doctoral studies in philosophy or to qualify for professional roles that demand strong analytical skills, critical reflection, and well‑structured argumentation.

The programme is taught in English. Please note that some courses may be shared with online cohorts.

Your studies 

The programme focuses on advanced studies in philosophy. During the first year you will take advanced courses in philosophy and write an essay of 15 credits. You can choose to broaden your education during this year by taking up 15 credits of free courses within other areas which you find interesting. Free courses are selected in conversation with the programme coordinator and can be taken at Umeå university, at other universities in Sweden or at universities abroad if you so choose. It is possible to finish the programme after one year of studies with a one-year master (“magisterexamen”).  

During the second year you will continue to deepen your knowledge in philosophy with further course work at the advanced level. The purpose of this year is to develop skills necessary in order to prepare you for a continued career within academia as a doctoral student, in Sweden as well as internationally. The second year concludes with a master essay of 30 credits. 
  
Course work during the two years - the “magister” and “master” courses - comprise of sub-courses on various contemporary fields of research in philosophy. Which sub-courses are offered varies from semester to semester. The sub-courses span over a variety of subjects including such topics as moral realism and the philosophy of artificial intelligence. Below you can see a sample of sub-courses which have been given in the past an which may be given again.

Examples of sub-courses at the advanced level:  

• Toleration 
• The epistemology of testimony 
• Philosophy of AI  
• The philosophy of conceptual engineering 
• The problem of consciousness 
• Moral realism: for and against 
• Self-respect  

Experience the internationally successful research environment at Umeå University 

As a master’s student in philosophy at Umeå University you will have access to an internationally successful research environment with teachers from many parts of the world. The philosophy unit at Umeå University hosts several strong research environments covering a broad range of philosophical subjects, such as Philosophy of AI and Philosophy of psychiatry. Researchers at the unit are also active in several interdiciplinary projects. As a master’s student you will have access to environments where researcher from the unit or visiting researchers present ongoing projects. This includes the Higher seminar in philosophy, the annual Burman lectures, as well as workshops and conferences.

Programme overview

First year 

Magister course in philosophy, 30credits (Mandatory) 
Magister thesis in philosophy, 15 credits (Mandatory) 
Magister course in philosophy II, 15 credits (Optional) 
Free courses, 15 credits.  

Second year

Master course in philosophy, 30 credits (Mandatory) 
Master thesis in philosophy, 30 credits (Mandatory) 

Future and career opportunities

The master’s programme in philosophy prepares you for an academic career with philosophy as your main subject, both in Sweden and internationally. The programme helps you develop subject‑specific knowledge and research skills needed to compete for doctoral student positions. Beyond academia, the programme also teaches skills that have general application and prepares you for professional roles that require a high degree of analytic ability, problem‑solving skills, and intellectual creativity. Graduates acquire skills that are useful when pursuing a career in both the public and private sectors, including positions as administrators, investigators, analysts, and consultants.

Interested in a career as a researcher?

With a master's degree in philosophy, you are eligible to apply for doctoral positions and be accepted to doctoral studies in philosophy in Sweden and internationally.

Read more about doctoral studies at Umeå University

Degree

After completing the study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Philosophy Degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) is Filosofie masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Philosophy.

A student who chooses to only complete the programme's first two semesters can obtain a Philosophy Degree of Master of Arts (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Arts (60 credits) is Filosofie magisterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Philosophy.