Masters Degrees in Philosophy of Science, Netherlands

Overview

This course is about analysing the relation of philosophy and science in terms of their historical development, as well as the current situation.
Philosophy and science don't mix. Or do they? What we nowadays call "science" used to be part of "philosophy." It is not a coincidence that Isaac Newton called his physical masterpiece "The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy." And today, the two are still closely connected. Our current worldview is strongly shaped by scientific thought. We look to science for both answers to our theoretical questions and solutions to our practical problems.

The Master's specialisation in Philosophy and Science analyses the relation of philosophy and science in terms of their historical development, as well as the current situation. How did the scientific worldview come about? What are its components? What models have been proposed for the relationship between philosophical and scientific thinking?

This Master's specialisation will give you a better understanding of the evolution, the current status and the implications of the scientific worldview. Professionally, it prepares you for several possible avenues, in fields including science administration, research, journalism, and policy-making.

Why study Philosophy and Science at Radboud University?

- The focus on the historical and systematic relationship between philosophy and science is unique in the Netherlands.
- The Philosophy Faculty has close ties with scientists and professors at the other faculties on campus - and philosophy as a subject is an integral part of all the faculties at Radboud University. This makes it easier for our students to combine Philosophy with any discipline when working on their thesis.
- Teaching takes place in a stimulating, collegial setting with small groups.
- The seminars specifically train skills such as critical reading, analytical thinking, policy writing and debating.
- This Master's specialisation is run by the Center for the History of Philosophy and Science (CHPS), the only centre in the world that studies philosophy and science as historically intertwined phenomena.
- This Master's specialisation is aimed at career prospects in, as well outside of, research.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/philosophyandscience

Career prospects

During the specialisation Philosophy and Science you will learn to think about issues in debates with major thinkers. You will study texts by philosophers of the past and present. What you learn here is applicable to the social, scientific and political situations around us.

After you graduate, you’ll be well situated to analyse texts and extract concepts. You’ll have the ability to think out of the box and to think creatively about possible solutions. You can use those skills in society, in political or social debates and in your work.

Job positions

Graduates of the Master’s specialisation in Philosophy and Science have many options. You can work within journalism and become a journalist, editor or critic. You can also become a policy advisor for a governmental organisation, or for other cultural and social institutions. You can also work as a philosopher in business, communications advisor or ethical expert. And Dutch students who would like to become teachers within the Netherlands could continue to attain the academic teacher’s degree for the subject of Philosophy (leraar Filosofie).

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/philosophyandscience

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History and Philosophy of Science

The Master's programme in History and Philosophy of Science offers a unique opportunity to study the foundations, practice and culture of science from historical and philosophical perspectives.

This two-year master's programme encompasses the history and philosophy of the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, medicine, and mathematics.
The historical approach focuses on the development of scientific thought and practice in times past, including the relations between science and cultural, social or institutional features at particular times and places. The focus is mostly on the early modern and modern periods (17th-20th century). Philosophy of science studies questions concerning the nature of scientific knowledge, methods and explanations. It also includes conceptual analysis of fundamental theories such as relativity theory, quantum mechanics, evolution and modern genetics.

The programme is both broad and flexible. The main specializations are: History of Science or the Humanities, Philosophy of Science, Foundations of Physics, and Foundations of Mathematics and Logic.

Nearly half of our alumni continue in PhD programmes in Utrecht or elsewhere. Many have also found employment in science communication, science policy, consultancy, or other fields.

This programme is the only English-taught programme in the field on the European continent.

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A unique, two-year master’s programme designed for students willing to challenge themselves and take their studies to the next level: this is the Research Master’s (MSc) in Political Science and Public Administration. The programme offers you unsurpassed and thorough academic training that will provide useful no matter what your future career intentions are. A strong focus on skill development and the ability to conduct independent research is at the core of this research master’s.

Visit the website: http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/programmes/political-science-and-public-administration-research/en/introduction

Course detail

The programme distinguishes between four types of courses: substantive courses, methodological courses, advanced research seminars and finally thesis preparation in the Thesis Laboratory.

Format

The programme features a selection of two specialisations: Political Science or Public Administration. While each course or seminar within the specialisations deals with a specific topic or field of research, the programme grants you considerable freedom to pursue your own specific interests. Regardless of the choice of specialisation, you will attend several courses on the philosophy of science and courses on both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. In addition, there are specific courses aimed to enhance skills such as presentation and reporting.

The end product of the programme is a thesis meeting the criteria for publication in a scholarly journal, as well as a proposal for further research that conforms to the standard criteria of funding agencies.

Careers

During this research master’s you are equipped with a large set of analytical skills, versatility and academic experience that make you a prime candidate for many career areas, including business organisations, government organisations and non-profit organisations. You are especially fit for research-intensive positions in the public or private sector, such as governmental organisations or research agencies requiring advanced research skills and research experience. The programme is also an excellent preparation should you be interested in a PhD position.

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Research in Public Administration and Organisational Science

In Research in Public Administration and Organizational Science you will gain knowledge about societal problems and critical challenges for organisations in the public domain.

This programme focuses on the new challenges that public governments at all levels face. These flow from long-term trends such as globalization, changing information and communication technologies, climate change and societal fragmentation caused by migration, individualisation and cultural pluralisation.

You will study the core theoretical themes in Public Administration and Organisation Science, such as public policy, public management, bureaucracy and public service, and human resource management. You will also get a solid foundation and advanced study in the fields of philosophy of science and a wide variety of research methods.

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