Philosophy
What can I know? What should I do? What may I hope for? If these and similar questions arouse your curiosity and you want to embark on an intellectual journey in search of answers, studying Philosophy will enable you to both familiarize yourself with the legacy of the “giants” of classical philosophy and take part in current debates concerning the most significant problems facing modern humans. Among numerous currents and styles of philosophizing, we propose a unique way of practicing philosophy characteristic of the Lublin School of Philosophy. We introduce you to the meanders of searching for the truth about the world, God, and human beings (metaphysics and philosophical anthropology), sensitize you to values (ethics – especially personalistic, co-created by a professor of our Faculty – Karol Wojtyła), familiarize you with basic concepts and problems that have occupied human minds for centuries (history of philosophy), and teach the art of precise thinking, speaking, and effective argumentation (logic and methodology).
Philosophical studies respond to the challenges of the modern world – the need for critical thinking, resistance to manipulation, and the ability to understand complex social and cultural phenomena. This is a proposal for those who want to seek the truth and shape a mature and responsible outlook on reality.
Educational requirements
Foreign Secondary School Certificate / IB / EB diploma / Polish "matura" certificate
Competition on the basis of secondary school certificate – the result of the written test is scored on the two of following subjects:
a) Polish language or native language (50% of the final result) and
b) one of the following subjects: mathematics, foreign language, history, biology, chemistry, physics, informatics, civic education, geography, Latin and ancient culture, history of art, history of music or philosophy (50% of the final result). If an applicant passed more than one of the above subjects, the best result is taken into consideration.
Legalization/recognition of educational documents issued abroad
Required documents
In addition to a Secondary School Certificate a candidate is also required to submit:
* the written part of Polish matura examination in English language at the advanced level with the result 60% or higher is tantamount to a certificate confirming English language proficiency at level B2
Score convertion rules
Entrance examination - requirements
For candidates with a certificate/diploma obtained in a country other than a member state of the EU, OECD, EFTA, Ukraine or China, the entrance examination is required.
Exam topics:
Candidates’ knowledge, competencies, and skills are verified by analyzing a specialized text and summarizing the following topics:
- Why did you choose to study philosophy in Poland, specifically at the Catholic University of Lublin?
- Which philosophical issues or topics interest you the most?
- How has your education prepared you for your chosen field of study?
- How do you envisage your professional future after completing your studies?
- What does happiness mean to you?
- What are your plans for learning and improving your knowledge of the Polish language?
- What challenges do you foresee when studying in Poland as a foreigner, and how do you plan to overcome them?
- Have you participated in social activities, volunteering or cultural projects? Tell me about your experience.
- What opportunities and threats do you see in multicultural environments?
- Does the culture you grow up in influence how you understand and evaluate the world?
Why Philosophy at KUL?
Why should you choose this programme?
- Tradition and modernity – the program combines solid foundations of classical philosophy with reflection on contemporary challenges.
- Diverse forms of teaching – lectures, classes, tutorials, and seminars develop critical thinking, argumentation, and participation in substantive discussions.
- Practical experience – cooperation with social and educational institutions, including secondary schools, the Lublin Film Fund, the Voivodeship Public Library, and the Strategy Department of the City of Lublin.
- High ratings and prestige – philosophy at KUL is highly rated by the Polish Accreditation Committee (category A) and holds high positions in the “Perspektywy” ranking.
- Traditional didactic methods – the program is based on proven forms of teaching that effectively prepare for in-depth philosophical reflection.
What will you learn? Scope of studies
- Logic, methodology, epistemology – foundations of critical thinking, the art of argumentation, and the analysis of rational cognition.
- Metaphysics and ontology – understanding of being and the analysis of products of culture and technology.
- Philosophical anthropology – reflection on human nature, freedom, and the dignity of the person.
- Ethics and bioethics – solving moral dilemmas and ethical evaluation of actions in individual and social life.
- History of philosophy – views from antiquity to the present, including Polish philosophy.
- Philosophy of science – reflection on science: what it is, how it is practiced, and what value it holds.
Modern language (B2 level) as well as Latin and Greek – development of language competences necessary for working with source texts
Studies prepare for:
What will graduates be entitled to after graduation
Holding a Bachelor’s degree after completing first-cycle philosophy enables the continuation of education in second-cycle studies (including philosophy, cognitive science, applied rhetoric) and further education within postgraduate studies, deepening knowledge and developing personal interests.
The graduate acquires versatile analytical, research, and communication competences. They can think logically and critically, analyze problems, present their own and others’ positions, and evaluate the consequences of various philosophical systems. They also develop practical and organizational skills, including teamwork, work planning, analytical thinking, and creating syntheses. The graduate also acquires logical and formal competences, including proving theorems and analyzing the logical structure of utterances.
Our Graduates:
Our graduates work at:
Our graduates work in publishing houses, editorial offices, cultural institutions, media, local government, the advertising industry, IT, business, and even politics. Many of them continue their scientific careers at universities or teach ethics and philosophy in schools. Philosophical studies at our Faculty shape the mind so that the graduate can find their place in any industry, especially where logical thinking, creativity, solving difficult problems, analyzing complex issues, and rapid acquisition of new skills are valued.
Where can students complete their internships
The aim of the internships is to acquire and improve skills related to the field of study, especially social communication, cooperation, and work organization skills.
Internships (90 hours) must be completed by the 5th semester of studies.
Internships take place in schools, cultural centers, libraries, and publishing houses (e.g., Library of the Faculty of Philosophy, the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin; Cultural Centre in Lublin, 12 Peowiaków Street, 20-007 Lublin; Department of Culture, Lublin City Hall, 2 Złota Street, 20-400 Lublin).
Student Life and academic community
Student life in the Philosophy field is actively and inspiringly organized. Students can be active in the Faculty Student Council and the KUL Students’ Philosophical Society, which integrates the student community and develops skills useful in the labor market. As part of the Society, participants take part in training, conferences, scientific trips, discussion meetings, as well as publishing and scientific work. Every year, students organize the Philosophical Week and actively participate in the Open Day of the Faculty of Philosophy, presenting the field to future candidates and showing the creativity and commitment of the philosophical community.
