The Study of Philosophy
According to Kant, the study of philosophy examines four questions: What can I know? What should I do? What may I hope for? What is man? In addition to these questions, philosophy today addresses a broad spectrum of topics and issues, which are divided into the fields of practical philosophy, theoretical philosophy, and the history of philosophy.
At TU Dresden, you can study philosophy in a wide variety of specializations. In doing so, you can gain both foundational and in-depth insights into the various subfields of philosophy.
On the following pages, you will find all the information you need about studying philosophy. The three topics below are the most frequently sought starting points. The text beneath them takes you through every stage of the degree — from starting out through courses and internships to examinations and final theses — followed by information for international students. The full list of pages is available in the drop-down menu (the three lines in the upper-right corner).
© Amac Garbe
The Journey Through Your Studies
Orientation Before Starting Your Studies. If you’re still unsure whether a degree in philosophy is right for you, the online philosophy self-assessment will give you an initial idea of the program’s requirements.
Degree Programs. To find out which degrees and subject combinations are available at the Institute—Bachelor’s, Master’s, teacher certification, and Ph.D.—visit the Degree Programs page. The study plan in the appendix of your academic regulations shows which modules are scheduled for each semester.
Starting Your Studies. If you’re new to the Institute of Philosophy, begin with “Starting Your Studies at the Institute of Philosophy.” There, we’ll guide you step by step through your first few weeks: from figuring out which degree program you’re enrolled in, to reading your academic regulations, to creating your first class schedule. You’ll also find the dates for the orientation week and the Institute’s orientation event there.
Courses. The course catalog lists all courses for the semester, including times, rooms, and module assignments. Registration procedures and deadlines are specified there for each individual course.
Advising. If you have questions about the structure of your degree program, the order of modules, or the recognition of previously earned credits, please contact the Institute’s academic advising office. The Philosophy Faculty Student Council is also a good first point of contact.
Internships. For academic degree programs, you will find information and potential placement opportunities on the Internships page. Separate regulations apply to teacher education: the School-Based Practical Studies and Block Internship B are supervised by the Chair of Didactics of Philosophy and of Ethics.
Exams. Exam registration, deadlines, and sick leave notifications are handled by the Examination Office of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science. Students in the teacher training program can find the list of examiners and reviewers under “State Examination and Review.”
Thesis. You will write your bachelor’s, master’s, or state examination thesis at one of the Institute’s Chairs. As of March 2025, you will no longer need to find your two reviewers yourself: simply email the completed form to the Institute, which will handle the assignment. The person who serves as the primary reviewer will also supervise your writing process. You can find all details and the form under “Assignment of Reviewers for Theses.”
Alumni. After graduation, you’ll stay connected to the Institute through the alumni network.
