MA in Philosophy: Philosophy, Science and Humanities University of Groningen

Every field of study raises a number of philosophical questions: about its foundations and methodology, its ethical and political implications, its connection with other disciplines, and its history.

Thinking about these questions gives you a deeper insight in your discipline, be it physics, medicine, psychology, economics, history, or any other field of study. This unique programme of 60 ECTS, combined with the ECTS from your initial master's, gives you an additional MA degree in the philosophy of your field.

This master programme offers courses in the philosophy and history of science, skills courses to improve your writing, and tutorials in which you work with experts on the philosophy of your discipline. Additionally, the programme will regularly organize colloquia with experts working on the intersection of the philosophy, science and humanities.

You will learn to participate in discussions and write texts that bridge the gap between the scientific context and philosophical or public discourses. The master thesis will focus on a topic of your own choice in the field of philosophy or history of your specific discipline. The programme will provide you with philosophical research and writing skills that will enhance both your competence in your field and your thinking in general.

Why study this programme in Groningen?

The Faculty of Philosophy is a home to internationally renowned researchers working at the very forefront of the philosophy and history of science. Staff members have hands-on experience in an exhaustive range of scientific and scholarly fields as well as a thorough knowledge of the philosophy and history of those fields of study.

On top of that, results of the National Student Assessment (NSE) show that our students are very satisfied with the contents of our programmes and that they highly value the expertise of our teaching staff. Small-scale classes and a friendly, informal setting enhance contacts between our staff and students. In reviews of the Keuzegids Universiteiten and in the Higher Education Review of Dutch University Faculties, our faculty is almost always rated number one by both students and professors year after year. It scored 3 times 'excellent' in the last assessment of philosophical research in the Netherlands.

Year 1

Courses

• Philosophy of your discipline: introduction (10 EC)
• Philosophical writing (5 EC)
• Tutorial 1 (5 EC)
• Specialization towards disciplines (10 EC)

Year 2

Courses

• History of Science (10 EC)
• Tutorial 2 (5 EC)
• Thesis (15 EC)

The programme can be studied in one year, following the master in your field of study or in some cases preceding it, or in two years, alongside the master programme in your field of study.

In the two-year variant (shown in the course scheme), you follow a general philosophy of science course in the first semester, and a course that specialises towards the history and philosophy of your discipline in the second semester, coupled to a course on writing skills. In your second year, you first follow a history of science course as well as two tutorials with experts in the philosophy of your field, and then write your master's thesis.

In the one year variant, philosophy and history of science run parallel, and the specialization course, the writing skills course, and the thesis are done in the second semester. Tutorials can be planned anytime after the first quarter.

Study abroad

• Study abroad is unaccommodated

Job prospects

There are numerous opportunities for students who can combine scientific or scholarly expertise with an ability to reflect on their disciplinary background. They are good at identifying key issues in their field, and they have learnt to analyze problems sharply and clearly. They have strong communicative skills, a critical attitude, and awareness of the fundamental starting points of scientific and scholarly research.

All of these skills are highly valuable for students who aim for a research career in their respective discipline, or indeed in the history and philosophy of their discipline. But the very same skills are of great value in education and policy making, or in any other sphere in which scientific knowledge is evaluated and put to use.

Job examples

• Policy making
• Consultancy working on the intersection of science and policy
• Management consultancy
• Journalism
• PhD in your field of study or in a philosophy-related subject
• Think tank, research company