MA in Philosophy
University of Groningen
Key Information
Campus location
Groningen, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,314 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* EU/EEA students: €2,314 | non-EU/EEA students: €16,000
Introduction
What is consciousness? What is the relation between truth and democracy? If our world is mechanistic, how could chances ever exist?
Students will train the philosophical knowledge and skills they developed in their Bachelor's degree and are encouraged to engage in philosophical discussions at a deeper level during their Master's. The Master's in Philosophy, therefore, offers a highly individualized programme helping students to explore their options in philosophy after completion of the programme. The Master's is concluded with a thesis on a topic of your choice.
The Faculty of Philosophy is home to internationally renowned teaching staff who together with a diverse student body form a lively and stimulating close-knit philosophical community located in the city centre of Groningen.
The Master's programme in Philosophy is offered both on a full-time and part-time basis.
Faculty scholarships
All non-EU/EEA master's students registered at the Faculty of Philosophy receive a faculty scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee in the first year subject to the Terms and conditions of the faculty scholarship. Admitted students from outside the EU/EEA can apply for the Holland Scholarship.
Why study this programme in Groningen?
Results of the National Student Assessment (NSE) show that our students are very satisfied with the contents of our programmes and that they value the expertise of our teaching staff. Small-scale classes and a friendly, informal setting enhance contact between our staff and students. In reviews of the Keuzegids Universiteiten and in the Higher Education Review of Dutch University Faculties, our faculty was rated number one by both students and professors year after year - and second-best twice.
Admissions
Curriculum
Year 1
The programme comprises one year (60 ECTS). Students choose a coherent set of at least four courses within a specialization area (20 ECTS). Additionally, students can choose up to four courses of other specialization areas (20 ETCS). The programme is concluded with a thesis (20 ECTS).
You can choose one of the areas of specialization:
- Theoretical Philosophy: logic; argumentation theory; (formal) epistemology; and philosophy of science, mind, and language.
- Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy: normative ethics; meta-ethics; moral psychology; and contemporary political philosophy.
- History of Philosophy: metaphysics; epistemology; ancient, medieval and (early) modern philosophy.
However, there are also possibilities to take courses outside your specialization area if this also fits your academic interests. For example, if you are interested in contemporary debates on 'autonomy' and 'moral luck', then taking a course about Spinoza's Ethics may be an interesting choice.
You conclude the degree programme by writing and defending a thesis of 20 ECTS. You are free to formulate and pursue your own research question. The thesis is written under the supervision of two staff members.
Courses
- Philosophy Beyond Academia (5 EC)
- Four electives within the area of specialisation (20 EC)
- Four electives within or outside the area of specialisation (20 EC)
- Master thesis course and thesis (15 EC)
Study load
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
Programme options
- Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy (specialization)
- History of Philosophy (specialization)
- Theoretical Philosophy (specialization)
- Honours Programme (honours program)
Study abroad
- Study abroad is recommended
- For an average of 16 weeks
- Maximum of 30 EC
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Job prospects
After finishing the Master's degree, many philosophers find work as educators, journalists, editors and policy advisors, both in business and at governmental agencies. It is also possible to become a researcher at the university or a private research institute.
Job examples
- Researcher
- Journalist