Philosophy

Admission to the master's program in philosophy requires a bachelor's degree in philosophy or a related disciplinary field with a specialization of at least 80 credits in philosophy or equivalent.

The specialisation should show a progression from introductory to more advanced courses in philosophy.

Applicants must have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (2,5) in the ECTS scale.

Program description

The master’s programme in philosophy at UiT places particular emphasis on research-based education that gives students a great deal of freedom to delve into philosophical issues of their own choosing. The programme addresses both fundamental timeless questions related to humanity and its place in the world, and more applied current issues related to social and political conditions.

The programme consists of a master’s thesis of 60 credits, and a training component where you take five mandatory specialization courses - each of 10 credits. The content of the five courses includes Norwegian philosophy, ethics, metaphysics and philosophy of mind, political philosophy, and epistemology and philosophy of science. In addition, there is a mandatory 10 credits course in sustainability and innovation for all master students at UiT The Arctic University of Tromsø.

Through the specialization courses, you will receive thorough introductions to philosophical topics, and you will gain both writing training and experience working independently on self-selected issues – skills that will also be valuable in connection with the work on the master's thesis.

The master's thesis itself is an independent and thorough philosophical work. Here, you will delve into a self-selected issue with the support of a supervisor. Through working on the thesis, you will acquire expertise within a clearly defined philosophical area, and general skills that are valued both in and outside academia.

You will be able to take part in an active student environment. "Utsikten linjeforening" organizes social and academic events, and the philosophical film club regularly shows films with a philosophical introduction. A unique offer at the Department of Philosophy at UiT is that master's students have their own rooms with office space and equipment.

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Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student…

• is able to communicate your own philosophical reflections and problem solutions using philosophical concepts
• has acquired advanced knowledge of the central classical and contemporary theories and traditions in philosophy and have in-depth knowledge of both the history of the subject and central political philosophical, ethical and analytical theories
• has specialized knowledge of the subject and the philosophical problems that are discussed in the master's thesis
• is able to use the theories and traditions of the subject of philosophy in independent and critical discussions and analyses of new areas within the subject area
• is able to analyze academically relevant issues and practical ethical and political questions, based on the methods, concepts, tradition and characteristics of the subject of philosophy

Skills

The student can…

• analyse and critically evaluate various philosophical theories in both classical and contemporary philosophy, as well as various scientific traditions. The skills should be able to be used for critical analysis of philosophical questions and to formulate independent issues and arguments
• conduct independent critical reflection and argumentation on various philosophical issues, theories and methods, as well as practical ethical and political issues, so that it can serve as a basis for further work on philosophical problems in an independent manner at a scientific level
• conduct an independent research or development project under supervision in line with current research ethics norms

Competence

The student is able to…

• identify and analyse relevant practical-philosophical, epistemological and scientific theoretical issues
• apply the knowledge and skills within research activity and other areas that require argumentative and analytical skills
• convey your own philosophical reflections and problem solutions using philosophical concepts
• convey and communicate classical and contemporary philosophical theories and issues, both from a historical and analytical perspective, to both specialists and others, for example pupils and students at lower levels (ex.phil).

Job prospectives

The master’s degree in philosophy gives you analytical expertise, the ability to critically reflect and good language skills. This is relevant competence for professions within schools and education, cultural institutions, political organisations, nature management, non-profit organisations, public administration and management, journalism, the publishing, media and communication industries, and in business.

In combination with other teaching subjects and practical pedagogical education, a master’s degree in philosophy qualifies you for teaching in primary and secondary schools.

The master’s degree programme also forms the basis for further research education in the subject of Philosophy.

Access to further studies

A master’s degree in philosophy qualifies you for admission to PhD studies in philosophy or other relevant disciplines. In addition, you must achieve a grade requirement, which varies between different institutions.

At the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Teacher Education (HSL), a grade point average of B (or equivalent) is required.

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Study plan

Currently not available

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Language of instruction

The Master's degree program in philosophy is in English. Instruction and examination papers are also in English, but you have the opportunity to choose whether to answer the exams in English, Norwegian, or another Scandinavian language.

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Teaching and assessment

The programme uses several different teaching methods:

• lectures
• seminars
• individual supervision
• writing training
• colloquium groups
• self-study

The Master's degree program consists of a training part and a master’s thesis, each worth 60 credits. The training part consists of five 10-credit courses in philosophy and one interdisciplinary course in sustainability and innovation. The courses in philosophy are based on the research that takes place at the department.

The master's thesis is an independent work of approximately 80 pages, on a topic of your own choosing. You will have a professional supervisor who will provide you with individual supervision. In addition, you will choose a specialization syllabus of 7-800 pages, of which at least half is original literature. The evaluation of the master's thesis is twofold, and the grade is set after a comprehensive assessment of both the thesis and an oral exam.