Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges
Winter intake start date
2027-02-01
Winter intake deadline
2026-11-25
Critically engage with key challenges that contemporary societies are facing today, such as climate change, migration, populism, racism and economic inequality. Learn how to review familiar ideas with regard to such issues and how to reform or revise these ideas in order to face the challenge at hand. This program can also be followed part-time. Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges is a track of the MA Philosophy.
Learn how to systematically analyze complex societal challenges and shine a new light on them and their solutions. Address not only the theoretical but also the normative questions surrounding these challenges.
- Delve into essential philosophical questions such as:
‘What is the moral status of national borders? Do people have a right to migrate? What obligations do nation states have when it comes to providing protection and aid to refugees?'
'To what extent does populism threaten our democracies? How should we think of debate, dialogue and nonpartisan politics in an age of polarization?'
‘Are economic inequalities unjust? If so, would that still be the case when all people would have enough to meet their basic needs?'
'What are ethical challenges that come with technological developments in health and medicine? Do we have a duty not only to cure but also to avoid diseases through genetic engineering and biohacking?
- Profit from small-scale working methods with a great deal of interaction, which enables in-depth analysis and discussion with fellow students and lecturers.
Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges is a track of the MA Philosophy. You always choose one of the tracks.
Typical courses are:
- Migration, Refugees and Human Rights
- Populism and Active Citizenship
- Sustainability and Environmental Ethics
- Justice and Inequality
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Your skills as a philosopher
As a trained philosopher, you are able to analyze and reflect critically on social, political and ethical issues. You can formulate justified and to the point proposals to solve societal problems. You acquire thorough knowledge of both classic and ‘state of the art’ texts from different philosophical sub disciplines: ethics, social and political philosophy and philosophy of science.
You develop the abilities to provide correct and meticulous arguments and learn to evaluate other people’s arguments. Je can present both your own and other views in both written and oral form.
Job opportunities
Philosophers end up in a wide range of jobs that typically demand general knowledge, clear thinking and excellent communicative skills. You can find philosophers in governmental agencies, journalism, corporations and education. Think of jobs such as:
Project manager in an NGO
Policy advisor in a governmental institution
Research journalist
Teacher in philosophy
Ethical consultant (in e.g. a financial institution)
Researcher (in e.g. a think tank)
PhD student
