Education and rankings
The Faculty of Philosophy has an excellent international reputation. While we are very much aware of the limitations of rankings, it is worth noting that the SciMago Global Subject Ranking from 2024 lists it as no. 16 worldwide. Benchmarking of publications shows that our researchers deliver important contributions and are not only highly visible in many core areas of philosophy, for example argumentation theory or Kant studies, but that they are also relevant to many other fields.
Top-ranked programme in the Netherlands
Results of the Dutch National Student Assessment (NSE) show that our students are very satisfied with the content of our programmes and that they value the expertise of our teaching staff.
Small-scale classes and a friendly, informal setting enhance contacts between our staff and (international) students. In reviews of the Keuzegids Universiteiten (Consumer Guide for Dutch University Education) and in the Higher Education Review of Dutch University Faculties (performed yearly by Elsevier Magazine), our faculty was continously ranked number one by both students and academic staff.
In the past 13 years, our Bachelor's in Philosophy was ranked number one in the Netherlands, both by students and by professors.
Philosophy
The Bachelor’s programme in Philosophy is broad and classical in scope. Throughout the first year, students study the history of philosophy, from the Presocratics up to Wittgenstein. The curriculum also includes a wide range of systematic courses: logic, philosophy of science, epistemology, social philosophy, cultural philosophy, political philosophy, and ethics.
The Master’s programme in Philosophy allows students to specialise in one of three tracks:
For talented students aspiring to an academic career, the faculty offers a two-year Research Master in Philosophy.
Philosophy of a Specific Discipline
The Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline are designed for students who are already enrolled in another university programme and who wish to deepen their understanding of their field from a philosophical perspective. This results in a combined Bachelor’s degree.
| Last modified: | 24 September 2025 3.36 p.m. |