Philosophy in Practice University of Tartu

Overview

You often need a defensible answer to a philosophical question before finding a defensible solution to a practical problem facing today's world. What is a just response to climate change? Should science deniers have a significant voice in democratic decision-making? How should resources be divided between the old and the young as the world ages? 

The Philosophy in Practice master's programme is designed to equip graduates with the skills to address the philosophical questions that lie at the root of the challenges of our age. It trains students in the argumentation, analytic, and communication skills required to tackle these questions. It prepares students to apply these skills at the PhD level and in the organisations currently confronting these challenges.

The curriculum works to this effect by first preparing incoming students, then training them in philosophy in application to challenges facing the world today, and then requiring them to apply their training in both an internship and their research project. 

Why study Philosophy in Practice at the University of Tartu ?

• The opportunity to study philosophy at a high level whilst keeping multiple career paths open. We’ve designed the Philosophy in Practice master’s programme with an emphasis on application because we wish to provide a qualification that allows philosophy enthusiasts to follow through on that enthusiasm without forcing them to choose between training for a purely theoretical academic career and avoiding philosophical training altogether. We want to remove that fork in the road so that you don’t have to choose. You can train in philosophy in a way that prepares you for non-academic as well as academic career paths.

• Interdisciplinarity. The programme offers students the chance to supplement their philosophical studies with courses from across the university. Students can thereby increase the interdisciplinarity of their work by taking courses from another discipline and strengthen their transferable skills (e.g. in data analysis, project management, communication, etc.).

• The openness to diverse educational backgrounds. The programme welcomes candidates from non-philosophy backgrounds. We value the contributions of students from diverse fields who bring unique perspectives that enrich our department and the learning environment. 

• The curriculum includes a Start Module designed to help students from non-philosophical backgrounds engage confidently with more experienced peers by the end of their first semester. The module also offers advanced material for experienced students, covering topics not typically included in undergraduate studies.

• Internships, applications and business. We coach our students in identifying ways to integrate their philosophical interests with non-academic sectors, an essential skill whether they pursue careers inside or outside academia. 

• Estonia is home to a strong startup scene, and the University of Tartu pursues initiatives to link its research efforts with this innovative environment. As a student in our department, you will have the opportunity to benefit from these initiatives.

• An international environment. The Department of Philosophy is truly international, featuring researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy. Many Estonian researchers in the department have also earned their qualifications from prestigious institutions abroad. The department frequently organises events with visiting philosophers from around the world, such as the Frege Lectures, both as standalone events and through its involvement in various international research networks. 

• These networks include the Natural Law 1625-1850 Network (read more here), the Nietzsche International Lab, the Responsible Open Science in Europe project, and the Nordic-Baltic Philosophy of Medicine and Healthcare Network. Our students also have hosted NordPhil student conferences, bringing together students from Nordic universities to share and discuss their research.

• Study abroad. The Department of Philosophy has Erasmus agreements with a diverse range of esteemed European partners, enabling our students to spend a semester or a year abroad, living and studying in another European city or town. 

• Additionally, the department is part of the Nordic Network in Philosophy, which funds mobility among all the main Nordic universities. Furthermore, the University of Tartu participates in various networks beyond Europe, supporting exchange opportunities around the globe. 

Career opportunities

The master’s programme in Philosophy in Practice equips students with strong analytical, argumentative, and communication skills, as well as a thorough understanding of contemporary philosophical ideas and debates on a wide range of topics. Each of these topics is relevant to issues of practical significance, and the programme delivers this training to an exceptionally high standard. On average, 50% of our graduates secure funded doctoral positions at institutions worldwide.

The programme is structured to support two primary career pathways:

1. Academic Career Pathway: Graduates can use their training as a foundation for further academic study, such as pursuing a doctoral degree in philosophy or a related field.

2. Non-Academic Career Pathway: Many of our graduates successfully transition into careers beyond academia, applying the skills gained in the programme to fields such as policy, consulting, journalism, and more.