Philosophy

Entry requirements

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or in a related discipline (in the latter case, students must have acquired at least 60 EC in Philosophical disciplines).

2. A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English.This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets the conditions, listed on our website.

3. Highly motivated

An applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Examination Board that they have serious research interests and skills. Applicant must write a motivation letter and send a writing sample which can help evaluate their research and writing skills.

Months of entry

February, September

Course content

Philosophy has a unique role within contemporary society. Unlike other academic disciplines, its subject matter is not limited to one set of questions, or one domain of investigation. Philosophers poke their noses into all aspects of science and society. In order to do this, they must possess two essential skills, namely the ability to analyse complex issues logically and conceptually and the ability to document their conclusions in clear and persuasive language. Such skills are not innate. They require intensive training. The Research Master's programme in Philosophy constitutes the first professional step in acquiring these skills.

What will you learn?

• Learn about the historical development between philosophy and other disciplines
• Gain valuable research training and skills
• Get experience in developing, conducting and presenting your own research and build your academic writing skills

Note that if you already have an Master's degree in philosophy, you can apply for a waiver; depending on your previous course work, you may be allowed to enter directly into the second year of this programme.

Specialisations of the Master's in Philosophy

The Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies at Radboud University Nijmegen offers the entire range of philosophical disciplines. However, students enrolling in the Research Master's programme are expected to choose one of the following specialisations:

History of Philosophy and science

In History of Philosophy you explorethe development of natural philosophy and metaphysics from the late Middle Ages to early modern and modern times, investigating, in particular the evolution of the sciences of psychology and physics from philosophy.

Ethics and Political Philosophy

In Philosophical Ethics you investigate the moral implications of human actions from the point of view of virtue ethics (Aristotle, MacIntyre), phenomenology (Heidegger, Levinas) and hermeneutics (Gadamer, Ricoeur). This section also runs an international Nietzsche research project.

Philosophy of Mind and Language

Philosophy of Language and Logic involves the study of linguistic expressions such as words, sentences, texts and dialogues, where the emphasis is on the context in which these expressions are being interpreted.

Philosophy of Religion

In Philosophy of Religion you focus on the philosophical reflection on religion in Western thought and contemporary society, and also exploring the relation between philosophy and religion in Western and other cultural contexts.

Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology

You will study ancient fundamental questions about ’existence’, the relationship between language and truth, and the essence of reality and explore philosophical questions about the nature of man from the perspective of continental philosophy.

Career psospects

The English-taught Research Master's programme in Philosophy is a two-year course that is meant for students of proven ability who wish to prepare for an academic career in philosophy. Graduates have ahigh chance of obtaining a PhD position in the Netherlands or abroad.

Are you looking for a highly challenging two-year Research Master's programme in Philosophy? Come to Radboud University! At the end of April the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders NVAO has renewed the accreditation of the Research Master's in Philosophy. The NVAO evaluates the Research Master Philosophy as 'good'. This evaluation by the NVAO is exceptional. The verdict shows that the NVAO finds the Master's programme systematically above average quality.

If you have any questions, email us here: study-information@ru.nl

Learn more via the Radboud University contact form.

Fees and funding

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our website.

• Radboud Scholarship Programme
• Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships