Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in Applied Philosophy (2026–2029)

Upon completion of the programme, the candidates shall

Knowledge

• have an overview of philosophy as a subject, both historical and present
• have knowledge of key ethical, rational, metaphysical, and epistemological issues within religion, worldview and society

Skills

• have the ability to analyze philosophical texts, sources and general claims
• have the ability to discuss philosophical questions and draw independent conclusions
• have the ability to apply academic knowledge and relevant results from the research tradition in the preparation of their own theoretical and practical work

General competence

• master general philosophical and academic argumentation and reflection techniques
• be able to apply philosophical analysis and reflection on concrete, practical issues in everyday life and in working life
• be able to communicate knowledge both orally and in writing

General higher education qualification.

Prerequisites for direct admission to the second year: A one-year study in philosophy or the equivalent. A minimum of 40 ECTS credits must be courses in philosophy (not including Exphil/Exfac). For conditional admission a minimum of 30 ECTS credits in philosophy must be passed.

Do you often question the things around you? Are you often interested in understanding a problem better? Philosophy is asking the big questions and reflecting on the basis of our reality, knowledge, argumentation and ethical choices. Applied philosophy is philosophy with a particular focus on its application possibilities to concrete practical and theoretical issues.

The bachelor's programme in Applied Philosophy provides broad knowledge of philosophy as a discipline and of its application in areas such as ethics, religion, psychology, economics and society. The programme gives you the opportunity to acquire a clearer, more critical and deeper understanding of current issues. The specialization in philosophy (90 credits) consists of six introductory courses at level 1 and three supplementary courses at level 2, one of which is the bachelor's thesis. Of particular interest are supplementary courses in, for example, societal, economic and psychological issues.

In the second year (breadth unit 60 credits), students can choose from a number of relevant one-year programmes and course groups. Choose either one-year programme (60 credits), 2 course groups (of 30 credits), or 1 course group (30 credits) and freely chosen courses (30 credits).

In the third year, students can, among other things, choose the courses Humanists in Practice or Entrepreneurship for Humanists, which provide experience of how humanities competence can be applied in working life.

The study programme provides competence relevant to the following sustainability goals:

• Build well-functioning, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Promote peaceful and inclusive societies to ensure sustainable development
• Ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Emphasis has been placed on students encountering a variety of teaching methods throughout their studies. The teaching is given as lectures and seminars and supplemented with supervision in connection with the bachelor's thesis, study groups and self-study.

Several different forms of assessment are used during the bachelor's course: bachelor's thesis, home exam, written and oral exam. Several courses also have written delivery or an oral presentation as a condition for taking the exam. The forms of assessment are adapted to the goal that the programme will provide training in independent critical reflection and discussion.

Virtually all curriculum at all levels is in English. This is standard in the internationally oriented philosophy today, and there are few textbooks and relevant texts in the philosophy in Norwegian. In two of the courses at level 2, the lectures are given in English when needed (i.e. when international students are registered).

We encourage all our students to take their broad-based subject (60 credits) in their bachelor's degree in applied philosophy as an exchange student abroad. UiA facilitates this through its established mobility programmes.

With a bachelor's degree in applied philosophy, you are equipped for a job that requires critical and independent thinking. This applies in particular to jobs in the cultural sector, publishing, journalism and dissemination.

With a bachelor's degree in applied philosophy, you can apply for admission to the master's programme in religion, philosophy and society at UiA, which in turn may qualify you for admission to the PhD specialisation in Religion, philosophy and history. The programme may also qualify you for master's programmes in philosophy at other universities at home and abroad.

Programme coordinator: Hilde Vinje (hilde.vinje@uia.no)
Study adviser: Silje Ramfjord Lykkedrang (silje.lykkedrang@uia.no)