OpenFieldMunich School of Philosophy (Hochschule für Philosophie München - HFPH)
The Munich School of Philosophy (Hochschule für Philosophie München - HFPH) is a state-recognized Jesuit institution of higher education located in central Munich, Bavaria. Celebrating a century of philosophical inquiry since 1925, HFPH is renowned across Europe for deep scholarship in metaphysics, environmental ethics, epistemology, and the ethics of digital technologies.
Institutional Overview
HFPH offers accredited Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and doctoral (Dr. phil.) degrees in philosophy, alongside innovative executive master's programs in ethics and leadership. The faculty maintains interdisciplinary research institutes, notably the Center for Global Questions (Zentrum für Globale Fragen) and the Center for Social and Environmental Ethics, collaborating closely with LMU Munich and TU Munich.
- Students
- 600+
- International
- 22%
- Faculty
- 40+
- Established
- 1925
Academic Strengths & Distinctive Focus
HFPH offers accredited Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and doctoral (Dr. phil.) degrees in philosophy, alongside innovative executive master's programs in ethics and leadership. The faculty maintains interdisciplinary research institutes, notably the Center for Global Questions (Zentrum für Globale Fragen) and the Center for Social and Environmental Ethics, collaborating closely with LMU Munich and TU Munich.
Research Profile, Admissions & Scholarships
Admissions at HFPH welcome scholars from diverse cultural, philosophical, and religious traditions. Degree applications for winter semester require the German Abitur or international secondary school equivalent, certified academic transcripts, and a reflective essay on philosophical questions. Doctoral candidates require a master's in philosophy (min 2.0 grade) and a faculty supervisor endorsement.
Current Verified Opportunities & Fellowships (7)
B.A. in Philosophy and Society Academic Excellence Scholarship
Six-semester rigorous undergraduate curriculum exploring classical metaphysics, political philosophy, modern epistemology, and formal logic.
M.A. in Environmental Ethics & Climate Justice Enrolment
Four-semester master's program examining moral obligations to future generations, planetary boundaries, degrowth theory, and global climate governance.
Dr. phil. Doctoral Fellowship in Ethics of AI & Digital Sovereignty
Structured doctoral research program investigating human dignity in automated decision systems, cognitive enhancement ethics, and digital surveillance capitalism.
Executive Master in Leadership and Transformation Ethics (MLE)
Part-time executive master's program for corporate executives and NGO directors focusing on values-driven organizational change and corporate social responsibility.
Ignatian Pedagogy & Philosophical Hermeneutics Colloquium
Six-week seminar examining classical Jesuit intellectual traditions, dialectical discernment, and dialogical pedagogy in European university history.
Center for Global Questions Visiting Research Fellowship
Residential visiting fellowship at the Zentrum für Globale Fragen supporting international scholars conducting advanced political and social philosophy research.
Bioethics & Clinical Decision-Making Summer Practicum
Supervised eight-week practicum embedding philosophy students in hospital clinical ethics committees across Munich medical centers.
Sourced Faculty & Research Advisors (3)
Prof. Dr. Dr. Johannes Wallacher
President and Professor of Social Sciences and Business Ethics · Department of Social and Business Ethics
Prof. Dr. Dr. Johannes Wallacher is President of HFPH, holding doctorates in economics and philosophy, and serves on national advisory councils on environmental ethics and world food security.
Prof. Dr. Michael Reder
Professor of Practical Philosophy and International Understanding · Department of Practical Philosophy
Prof. Dr. Michael Reder directs practical philosophy research, focusing on climate justice, planetary boundaries, and post-colonial global political ethics.
Prof. Dr. Georg Sans SJ
Vice-President and Professor of Epistemology and History of Philosophy · Department of Epistemology
Prof. Dr. Georg Sans SJ is Vice-President of HFPH, specializing in German idealism, epistemological justification, and the dialectical philosophy of G.W.F. Hegel.
Connect with OpenField Advisors
Our academic advisors provide free mentorship, admission guidance, and research proposal feedback for prospective scholars applying to Munich School of Philosophy (Hochschule für Philosophie München - HFPH).