What will I learn?
With the intention of educating and promoting young academic talents, the aim of the doctoral programme in Philosophy at the Faculty of Catholic Theology is to teach doctoral students how to philosophize autonomously considering research methods, subject matter and questions on a high level, which enables them to contribute to the further development of philosophy by producing new results through their original research in a philosophic discipline. Graduates have a historically profound, systematic understanding of philosophy, know how to apply the methods of philosophical research, and have a comprehensive and profound knowledge of the literature in their field of research. By producing an original, innovative academic work they make a significant contribution to the progress of scientific insight in the question they deal with.

What makes Salzburg so special as a place to study?
The Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Catholic Theology offers its doctoral students a highly qualified, yet familiar environment with enthusiastic and personally committed lecturers. Students discuss abstract ideas in courses with small groups, regular supervision and a friendly atmosphere. There is always room for exchange and individual interests. Your dissertation will be composed in interdisciplinary openness and – if required – with regular individual support. The relevance of philosophical thinking for the personal and social life is the department’s central concern. This concern is reflected in its main emphasis: to philosophically question human being in all of its metaphysical and historical foundations as well as its psychological, social, existential, religious and moral dimensions.

Which career opportunities do I have?
In the first place, the doctoral programme in Philosophy at the Faculty of Catholic Theology prepares doctoral students for an academic career. Moreover, the programme enables graduates to deal critically and creatively with problems of all sorts. Along with their intellectual flexibility, sensitivity and openness, their sense of what is appropriate and a rich repertoire of possible solutions makes philosophers competent partners in dialogue, who face the current challenges with far-sightedness and a keen insight. As distinct from courses geared towards specific careers (as, for example, teacher training programmes, medical training, studies in architecture, etc.), Philosophy graduates can choose from a wide range of career options, especially in combination with an additional specialist training. Possible careers include culture and human resources management, management consultancy and coaching, library, publishing and media work, adult education, politics and policy counselling, information technology, environment protection and ethics counselling.