Philosophy and Economics, Master of Arts

Requirements and Target Audience

The distance learning programme Philosophy and Economics (M.A.) is aimed at working professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of economic, social and political interrelations in a targeted manner. The target group in particular consists of graduates of economics-related bachelor's degree programmes who want to take on responsibility for change and innovation projects in companies, organisations or NGOs. People from politics, administration, media or the education sector who want to integrate interdisciplinary ways of thinking and analytical depth into their work will also find a suitable academic further education here.

Which formal admission requirements do you have to meet?

The following requirements are demanded for admission to the master's programme:

• A completed first degree (bachelor's, diploma or magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits, preferably with demonstrable economic or social science components
• Alternatively, admission with a university entrance qualification, completed vocational training, at least 2 years of relevant professional experience and a passed aptitude test (e.g. term paper, letter of motivation)
• Where necessary, proof of specific prior knowledge or professional experience in the field of economics, social sciences or related disciplines
• There is no numerus clausus (NC) and no compulsory school-leaving certificate (Abitur); admission is also possible for professionally qualified applicants

You should have an interest in interdisciplinary thinking and analytical problem solving. It is helpful if you have already worked with economic, philosophical or social issues in your first degree or in your professional activity. Experience in academic work, openness to systemic thinking and the ability to conduct independent research will facilitate your success in the programme. For online study, you need time management skills, self-motivation and willingness to actively discuss abstract content.

Study Content in Detail

In the Master's programme Philosophy and Economics at Hochschule Fresenius, you will engage intensively with the interaction of economic, philosophical and societal processes. The course combines fundamentals of philosophy, sociology, political theories and economics with practice-oriented management content. You will acquire knowledge in the area of academic work and develop a critical perspective on societal, economic and political developments in a global context.

The key content areas include:

• Philosophy: social theories, justice, ethics, history of humanities ideas
• Sociology: societal change, social participation, social structures
• Political theories and economics: politics in the 21st century, international economic processes, globalisation
• Management and change management: digital leadership, change processes in organisations
• Academic work and empirical methods

In the elective area, you can set individual focuses and deepen topics such as “Cultural Turns” in image and language, intercultural psychology, education, ethics and sustainability, decision theories and behaviour, as well as media in an interdisciplinary context. This enables you to acquire skills to understand complex societal and economic developments, reflect on them ethically and develop holistic solutions for current challenges.

How does the distance learning course Philosophy and Economics work?

The Master's programme normally comprises 4 semesters (120 ECTS) and is organised flexibly as a distance learning course. You learn entirely online via Hochschule Fresenius’ modern learning platform. The study modules are designed so that you can work independently of location and time and organise your learning pace individually.

• The start of studies is possible at any time on the 1st of a month.
• All study content and examinations are offered online; many examinations can be taken flexibly.
• Individual support by lecturers and study coaches, regular online seminars and exchange in study groups support your learning progress.
• Access to an extensive online library, e-books, studymags and additional offers such as free international certificates and masterclasses with ASU® (Arizona State University) is available to you.
• You can complete the course in 24, 36 or 48 months and remain employed during this time.

The curriculum is divided into compulsory and elective modules, so you can sharpen your focus individually. Term papers, online presentations or other digital examination forms are standard. A study plan provides a clear overview of the schedules and modules.

Career prospects & job opportunities for graduates

With the Master of Arts degree in Philosophy and Economics, you are excellently positioned for responsible roles in various professional fields at the interfaces of business, politics and society. Your interdisciplinary profile makes you attractive to companies, NGOs, international organisations and authorities that value analytical thinking and broad societal perspectives.

• Consultants for change processes or sustainable transformation of companies
• Positions in change management, digital leadership, corporate development
• Specialists in staff units of ministries, international associations or NGOs
• Project management in socially relevant and innovative fields (e.g. sustainability, education, ethics, diversity)
• Activities in research, scientific analysis, think tanks or strategic management consultancy

Companies and organisations increasingly seek employees who can assess changes from various perspectives and approach complex problems with solution orientation. Particularly sought after are comprehensive analytical skills, ethical reflection and a profound understanding of economic and societal processes.

Place of study: Fully online course with an international perspective

The course “Philosophy and Economics, M.A.” takes place online. You are not tied to a fixed university location and can study from anywhere. The technical infrastructure allows you to learn flexibly alongside your job or from home. Through the cooperation with Arizona State University® you gain access to international certificates and masterclasses – thus you combine German academic standards with global insights.

Personal support by Hochschule Fresenius is organised digitally; supplementary services such as study advice, learning coaching or virtual study groups are also available to you online. No physical attendance is planned; if you nevertheless wish to use resources at the campuses (e.g. for advice), you can use the offers at the study centres in Berlin, Düsseldorf or other cities upon arrangement.

Costs and financing options for your distance learning course

The tuition fees for the distance learning course Philosophy and Economics (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius depend on the chosen duration of study:

• 48 months (recommended): 315 Euro/month (with discount: 280.35 Euro/month); total costs: 11,880 Euro
• 36 months: 395 Euro/month (with discount: 351.55 Euro/month)
• 24 months: 525 Euro/month (with discount: 467.25 Euro/month)

All prices include all study materials, online access to the learning platform, library resources and personal support. With the discount code “START11” you can secure permanently reduced conditions.

Various options are available to finance your studies:

• Study loans such as the KfW student loan
• Funding opportunities such as BAföG or the Deutschlandstipendium
• Scholarships for especially gifted or committed students
• Support by your employer, especially within the framework of personnel development and further training

Hochschule Fresenius offers individual advice on financing options and guarantees full cost transparency. All services such as examination fees, access to the learning platform and study coaching are included in the tuition fees.