Philosophy - MA

EXPLORE FUNDAMENTAL PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES AND THEIR HISTORY 

Do you have a strong desire to sharpen and clarify the loose arguments and vague concepts we all encounter in newspaper articles, textbook readings and everyday conversations? Are you at least as interested in questioning answers as answering questions? The Research Master in Philosophy provides a challenging research-oriented programme that prepares you to participate in the current debates in the international philosophical community and to develop your own research contributions to the field.

Philosophy is a selective, two-year, English-language programme that emphasises active participation in research. During your studies, you will develop the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to be a successful researcher - whether you go on to pursue a PhD in philosophy (our graduates have been highly successful in securing PhD grants) or to pursue a career in one of the many fields that require key research skills. As a graduate of this programme, you will be able to approach your ongoing work with analytical rigor, conceptual clarity, expressive precision, compelling argumentation, and a keen awareness of historical perspectives.

A SOLID FOUNDATION PLUS SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE

The programme combines an advanced grounding in the core themes and texts of philosophy with ample opportunity and flexibility for specialisation. Through elective seminars, specialised tutorials, and seminars at other universities in the Netherlands or abroad, you will have the opportunity to dive into issues, methods, and philosophers that are central to your own research project. Moreover, since you will conduct your research in an active research community of postdocs, PhD researchers, and senior staff, you will gain hands-on experience as a researcher and participant in current international discussions in philosophy.

AFTER GRADUATION

During this Research Master’s programme, you will develop the knowledge and skills to participate in the international research community in philosophy. Our course content offers high standards of analytical rigor, conceptual clarity, expressive precision, compelling argumentation, and historical perspective.

Your studies will also help you acquire:

• A comprehensive knowledge of central philosophical debates, methods, and texts.
• Advanced insights into your chosen area of specialisation.
• The ability to understand and analyse the claims and arguments made in philosophical texts (both classic texts and contemporary research publications).
• The ability to identify, formulate, investigate, and propose solutions to research problems in philosophy.
• The ability to express yourself effectively and coherently in written and spoken English, including utilising specialised terminology related to the field.

Philosophers can be found in a surprisingly wide range of careers, from journalism and politics to banking and consulting. Those who go on to do a PhD in Philosophy can pursue numerous different roles that professional philosophers play in society. Read more about possible career prospects.

Visit the Philosophy - MA page on the Utrecht University website for more details!