Facts & figures
Philosopher
Department of General Philosophy
Department of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
Department of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
Department of Logic
English
Program
The MA in Philosophy at ELTE is designed for students with an interest in areas such as the history of philosophy, logic, epistemology, philosophy of language, metaphysics, political philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of history, philosophy of science, and philosophy of religion. The programme is suited to those who wish to explore the internal structures and connections of philosophy, as well as its relationship with related academic disciplines. It also addresses the fundamental interactions between philosophy and culture, religion, the arts, the media, and the sciences. Applicants are expected to have a basic familiarity with certain areas of philosophy before beginning the programme. The aim of the course is to deepen this knowledge and provide students with a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the discipline.
Programme Details
The Philosophy MA programme is built around two major groups of courses: courses in the history of philosophy and thematic philosophy courses.
Specializations
Instead of tracks of specialisations the programme in philosophy is organised in a flexible way so that students can plan their studies under the guidance of the director of studies. Students are required to choose a focal point in their study and research: either history of philosophy or systematic philosophy. They have to earn 48 ECTS credits [DMA3] in subjects belonging to this focal area.
Our Institute stands out among centres for the study of philosophy internationally for its balance between the history of philosophy and the systematic aspects of the discipline. This way our students are not only well versed in the details of the development of the Western philosophical traditions but also learn to appreciate the connections between the discussions and issues philosophical disciplines currently focus, on the one hand, and the historical motivations of these discussions, on the other. Our students gain insight into how issues at the forefront of today’s philosophical research were articulated and tackled through the ages.
What Makes This Programme Distinctive
The courses offered within the programme combine historical reflection and problem-oriented philosophical research, analytical and continental traditions, the traditional themes of fundamental philosophical inquiry, and current debates in applied philosophy. These include, for example, the social and ethical implications of technological development and discussions concerning gender roles.
The defining feature of the Philosophy MA programme is its openness.
The diversity of topics and the richness of its curriculum allow students with backgrounds and interests in languages, history, mathematics, natural sciences, the arts, and politics to engage with the programme and pursue their own areas of interest.
The Institute regularly organises conferences, research workshops, and lecture series open to a wider audience. These events provide opportunities to meet philosophers from other institutions, including international scholars.
MA students also organise independent lecture series, where undergraduate students in Liberal Arts programmes and other interested participants can explore philosophical questions and become familiar with the distinctive features of philosophy studies. During your MA studies, you will have the opportunity to participate in these activities and in the work of the Students’ Scientific Association (TDK).
Students are also encouraged to undertake professional internships outside the framework of their university studies during the programme. Throughout this process, academic staff provide continuous guidance, advice, and support.
Structure
Career
This program is recommended to applicants who would like to deepen their knowledge in philosophy and intend to pursue an academic career or intend to work as experts of the humanities, with an emphasis on philosophy, at such places of employment as publishing houses, cultural centres, international companies, civil service or non-governmental organizations.
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 2,500 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
| Entrance exam fee | 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee) | 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee) |
| Other cost |
Entry requirements
There are two ways applicants can fulfil entry requirements, (i) or (ii):
(i) Full credit acknowledgment of degree. The applicant holds a university bachelor’s degree in Liberals Arts.
(ii) Itemized credit fulfilment. Applicants holding another university bachelor’s degree are eligible to enter the program if they can show at least 30 credits (or equivalent) of course work spanning the following areas: philosophy, aesthetics and ethics.
For the itemized-credit option (ii), a transcript from the applicant’s bachelor's degree as well as course descriptions for the 30 credits will be requested.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Language requirements
The language of instruction for the entire program is English.
Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate a very good level of English-language skills at C1 level CEFR.
Following minimum results are preferred:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.0
TOEFL IBT (Internet-based test): 95-120
Duolingo: 130
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate) | Notarized copy only on request. |
| Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
| Transcript of records | |
| CV | |
| Motivation letter | A maximum of 500 words |
| Essay | 5-15 pages total. This can be: an essay or parts thereof; alternatively, a thesis chapter or parts thereof. Please submit a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 pages (single spaced). |
| Research work plan | |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
| Copy of application fee payment receipt | |
| Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt | |
| Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; see program specific proficiency requirements |
| Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English |
Optional documents for admissions
Curriculum Vitae in English
In MS Word format with one low resolution photo
Letter of Reference
Also called "Letter of recommendation." From a former instructor and/or employer. A maximum 2 letters of recommendation can be submitted.
Application deadlines
The deadline for application means the deadline of submission of the full and complete application package in the online system.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2027 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2027 23:59 (CET)
The application procedure includes 3 periods in order to give the applicants the freedom to submit their application when it’s most suitable for them. The applicants of each period have the same chance to get admittance for the programme. However, please note, that the Faculty of Humanities ELTE reserves the right to cancel the entrance periods in case the number of the admitted applicants reaches the limit during the previous entrance periods.
Procedure of the application
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Entrance examination and selection process
When the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs an entrance exam date option will be sent no later than the application deadline for the relevant period. Please, check your messages in the application system, and the e-mail address that is linked to the account regularly. The applications are examined by the Admission Board no later than after each application period and applicants are notified of the outcome of the selection in the online application system after the decision is official. Admission letters are sent out in the online application system within a few days.
Procedure of the entrance examination
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant. Successful applicants must have a good command of English to pass the entrance exam. The format of the entrance exam is an online interview. Applicants must show a photo ID at the start of the interview, and a camera showing the student and his/her surroundings must be on throughout the interview. The applicant is prohibited from using earphones or headphones during the online oral examination. Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Written Assessment
Applicants are required to submit one or two representative written works from their previous philosophical studies. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a specialisation in Philosophy, Ethics, or Aesthetics are required to submit their Bachelor’s thesis among these materials.
Applicants must also provide a two- to three-page outline of their proposed Master’s thesis, accompanied by a two- to three-page study and research plan, as well as a brief professional CV in list format.
The score awarded for the written assessment is based on the evaluation of the submitted written works and documents.
Oral Interview
The oral examination consists of a detailed discussion of the submitted representative written works, an assessment of the philosophical background knowledge related to these works, and an evaluation of the applicant’s previous philosophical preparation required for the proposed Master’s studies and research plan. Applicants are also required to present and discuss their proposed Master’s thesis plan.
Results and the official decision will be announced in the application system. Admission letters are sent out also in the online application system within a few days.
Contacts
Admission
Department of International Affairs
E-Mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: Múzeum krt. 4,1088 Budapest
István BODNÁR
Professor
Find the structure of the program on the webpage of the Faculty.
Historical courses include:
• Presocratic Philosophy and Plato
• Aristotle and Hellenistic Philosophy
• Post-Hellenistic and Late Antique Philosophy
• Medieval Philosophy
• Early Modern Philosophy and the Enlightenment
• Kant, German Idealism, and Marx
• Philosophical Movements at the End of the 19th and in the 20th Centuries
Thematic courses include:
• Philosophy of Language
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Science
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of Mind
• Contemporary Philosophy
• Political Philosophy
• Social and Philosophy of History
• Philosophy of Religion
• Ethics
For each student, an individual study and research plan is developed through personal consultations, tailored to their interests and academic objectives. At the same time, the programme ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of philosophy and are introduced to a broad range of philosophical disciplines during their MA studies.