Master in Philosophy (Focus: Theoretical Philosophy) Ruhr-Universität Bochum

** 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.

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

TU Dortmund

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

• BA in philosophy or equivalent 
• BA includes at least 30 credit points in courses on analytical philosophy.
• Diploma
• Transcript of records
• Language certificates

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).

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

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.

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.

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/.