International Programmes 2026/2027

Master in Philosophy (Focus: Theoretical Philosophy) Master in Philosophy (Focus: Theoretical Philosophy)

Ruhr-Universität Bochum • Bochum

Degree
Master of Arts
Course location
Bochum
In cooperation with

TU Dortmund

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The programme is offered in English. However, students may also choose courses offered in German, but they may only take up to 20% of all their courses in this language.

The Master's thesis must be written in English.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 June - 15 July
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

** Ruhr University Bochum has one of the top three philosophy departments in Germany and ranks among the best 25 worldwide, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings **

Theoretical philosophy is a vast discipline. It includes the foundational questions of metaphysics, the study of philosophical and scientific methodology, and the formal investigation of logical systems. It deals with the intricacies of mind, consciousness and cognition. It investigates the conditions of knowledge, and it studies the philosophical aspects of language. Moreover, the topics of the discipline have a history (in the Western world) of over 2,500 years.

The philosophy departments of the universities of Bochum and Dortmund have teamed up to offer a comprehensive and thorough MA programme covering all the above-mentioned subdisciplines of theoretical philosophy. The programme is taught in English by a sizeable group of instructors, each a specialist in their respective fields. Below, you can find a short overview of the contents of the programme.

Course organisation

https://theoretical-philosophy.de/the-program/program-overview/

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Integrated internships

While an internship is not obligatory, the programme explicitly allows for the possibility.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
Varied
Semester contribution

Students have to pay a social contribution fee of approx. 380 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in Germany (https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/re-registration-and-social-contribution).

Costs of living

Minimum of 950 EUR per month to cover personal and living expenses in Germany

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Students with outstanding academic achievements and a high degree of social responsibility can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium” grant. They will receive a one-year scholarship of 300 EUR per month from the Ruhr-Universität Scholarship Fund: http://www.rub.de/bildungsfonds/info-studierende/en/index_en.html.

International students with good to very good academic achievements can apply for assistance at the International Office, e.g. for financial support during their final phase of study, such as graduation grants up to 400 EUR per month for four months: https://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/scholarships?_wrapper_format=html.

Academic admission requirements
  • BA in philosophy or equivalent 
  • BA includes at least 30 credit points in courses on analytical philosophy.
  • Diploma
  • Transcript of records
  • Language certificates
German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
C1 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • PTE Academic: 71
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 95
  • Reading: 24
  • Listening: 22
  • Speaking: 25
  • Writing: 24
  • IELTS Academic: 7
  • UNIcert® English: UNIcert® III
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 June - 15 July
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Accommodation

In the city of Bochum, you can find different types of accommodation. On average, students in Bochum pay approximately 400 to 800 EUR per month for a single apartment, which is below the average rent in Germany. A room in a shared apartment is usually less expensive.

About 5,000 students in Bochum live in multiple student halls close to the campus, which are run by the Akademisches Förderungswerk (AKAFÖ). In the halls, each student has a single room and shares a kitchen and bathroom with other students, rents an apartment with a private bathroom and kitchen, or shares an apartment with one or several flatmates. 

More information on the student halls can be found at https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/wohnen.

In addition, private and church-affiliated student halls accommodate up to 1,000 students: http://www.stuwo.de/wohnheim-region/bochum/.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

The Career Service for International Students was established to support international students as they move from their studies into the German job market.

  • Events & workshops: From networking events to online seminars – learn the best tips from career experts and meet start-ups from the region.
  • Digital Career Guide: The Moodle course “Career Service for International Students” prepares you for starting a job in Germany.
  • FIT4Job – Mentoring for Internationals: RUB alumni share their professional expertise and good practices 1:1 with you.
  • Counselling services: Identify your talents and career goals in a personal counselling session. Our RUB Career Service team provides support in preparing application documents and interviews.
Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Specialist counselling
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office supports students right from the start:

  • International Welcome programme with online sessions prior to students’ arrival and a series of welcome events to facilitate students’ integration into their new environment
  • For those enrolled in English-taught Master’s programmes, a specialised onboarding programme is available which includes a German language course.
  • Info sessions throughout the semester on administrative matters
  • Regular office hours for individual consultation
  • A variety of events to engage international students and enrich their academic experience

You can find more information here.

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

University location

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