ADMISSION HIGHLIGHTS

Applications for admission to our master's programs by self-funding students continue to be accepted after the deadline for master's students seeking financial aid.

The Department of Philosophy offers a two-year and a one-year MA program.

One-year or two-year option?

The choice between the one- or two-year option usually depends on the previous education of applicants. Holders of three-year BAs, or of degrees in subjects other than philosophy, are advised to apply for the two-year program. Holders of degrees of four or more years, with at least a minor in philosophy, may consider the one-year option.

If applicants are uncertain which option would suit them the best, they can submit an application for both programs. The application materials are the same for the two options. (The application fee covers applications up to 5 programs.)

Entry Requirements

An appropriate first degree from a recognized university or institution of higher education, or documentation indicating that the applicant will earn their degree from such an institution by the time of enrolling in the program.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit standardized English language test scores, e.g., the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Submission of the general CEU application form with its appendices, including the specific departmental requirements.
Availability for admission interviews, possibly by telephone.

(see the general CEU admission requirements)

Documents to be submitted with the applications (same for both one- and two-year options)

General CEU requirements:

Completed online CEU Application Form
Two letters of recommendation
Academic records
A full curriculum vitae or resume, including a list of publications, if any
Proof of English proficiency

plus department specific requirements:

A statement of purpose (1-2 single spaced pages). The statement should indicate the applicant's main interests in philosophy, the topics they would particularly like to study while pursuing a degree at CEU, and their general purpose in acquiring a philosophy degree
A sample of academic writing of 1500–2000 words (without biblographic references; longer works will not be read beyond the word limit). This can be (part of) a course essay, or a chapter of a thesis that the applicant produced while studying for their first degree, and it should be in English. Applicants need to make the previous use of the writing sample transparent at the beginning of the writing sample. Applicants who do not have a recent sample of academic writing may submit an essay (on a philosophical topic) which is similarly suitable for assessing their language abilities and argumentation skills.

Admission process and evaluation of applications

After each admission deadline (15 October 2024; 4 February 2025), the departmental admission committee evaluates all applications
The committee establishes a merit list, based on the

evaluation of previous academic record
evaluation of the writing sample
match between the applicant's interests (as explained in the cover letter) and CEU's educational offer
performance at the interview, if there is an interview (not all applicants who receive offers are interviewed)
any other relevant info contained in the application

Financial aid is offered to students on the basis of their position on the merit list
Offers are normally sent out from December onwards (for October deadline) and from April onwards (for February deadline)

Degrees Accredited in Austria and the US

Both MA programs are accredited in Austria and the USA. You will study in Vienna.