MA in Philosophy (Research)

What will you learn?

The Research Master's programme in Philosophy is a two-year course for students of proven ability who wish to prepare for an academic career in philosophy.

You will receive expert supervision in continental, analytic and historical approaches to philosophy and, if you intend to embark on an academic career, this course will give you the necessary research skills. A number of important research institutes, including the Centre for Contemporary European Philosophy in the Netherlands, provide a stimulating and dynamic research environment.

With many options to choose from, there is surely a specialisation for everyone- whether you are interested in the historical progress of philosophy or would like to grapple with the socio-political aspects of philosophical arguments, there is a programme suited for you.

Specialisations

You can choose from one of the following specialisations, which is the widest range of philosophical specialisations in Europe:

• Metaphysics and Epistemology
  This specialisation focuses on how metaphysical questions are raised in the continental tradition. You examine the fundamental nature of being and the world that encompasses it.
• Philosophical Anthropology
  In the specialisation Philosophical Anthropology, you will deal with philosophically significant questions related to human beings and examine the different states of the human condition.
  
• Social and Political Philosophy
  In this specialisation, you will study ‘the political' as an essential but conflict-ridden aspect of the human condition, and how politics is a way of coping with the issues resulting from this.
  
• Philosophical Ethics
  The specialisation Philosophical Ethics centres on the most important moral conflicts and ethical issues in contemporary Western culture. You study these subjects against the backdrop of contemporary European philosophy.
  
• Philosophy of Mind
  You will investigate the biggest questions that concern the mind. Do we have free will? What is consciousness? What is it that makes (most) human beings persons? You investigate answers to these questions from both the analytical and continental tradition.
  
• History of Philosophy
  You will explore the history of philosophy and science from antiquity to the contemporary period. Our specialities are ancient cosmologies; medieval natural philosophy; the Scientific Revolution and the birth of modern philosophy; idealism and phenomenology; the emergence and end of the metaphysical tradition; philosophy in the technological age.
  
• Philosophy of Language and Logic
  You will study the relationship between language and verbal and non-verbal communication in the context of social interaction. This requires a thoroughly interdisciplinary approach that combines insights, not only from philosophy but also psychology, linguistics and the social sciences.
  
• Philosophy of Religion
  This specialisation focuses on the philosophical reflection on religion in Western thought and contemporary society. It also explores the relationship between philosophy and religion in Western and other cultural contexts.
  

Faculty scholarships for excellent international students

The Faculty offers a scholarship for excellent students from abroad wishing to start the Research Master’s programme in Philosophy on 1 September. Each scholarship amounts to €10.500 for the first year of the Research Master’s programme, and in case of good study, results can be renewed for the second, final year. Students wishing to start on 1 September are asked to submit their application before 1 May and students wishing to start on 1 February are asked to submit their application before 1 November via the online application system Osiris.

What will you learn?

The Research Master's Program in Philosophy is a two-year course for students of proven ability who wish to prepare for an academic career in philosophy.

You will receive expert supervision in continental, analytic and historical approaches to philosophy and, if you intend to embark on an academic career, this course will give you the necessary research skills. A number of important research institutes, including the Centre for Contemporary European Philosophy in the Netherlands, provide a stimulating and dynamic research environment.

With many options to choose from, there is surely a specialisation for everyone- whether you are interested in the historical progress of philosophy or would like to grapple with the socio-political aspects of philosophical arguments, there is a Program suited for you.