The Faculty

A top ranked faculty in Europe to study philosophy

Widely regarded as one of the top universities to study philosophy in Europe, the Faculty of Philosophy offers two Bachelor's programmes and a variety of Master's programmes, including a selective one-year MSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (abbreviated to PPE) and a two-year Master's Philosophy and Science (P&S), which is to be taken alongside a student's current Master's programme. The faculty consists of three departments: Theoretical Philosophy, History of Philosophy, and Ethics, Social & Political Philosophy.

Our degree programmes have consistently ranked high amoung the best in the Netherlands. You can read more about this on our rankings page. Our areas of research include philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, ethics, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy. Our programmes are home to about 500 students per year and our staff consists of around 75 people.

An inspiring, friendly and international community

Located in the historical centre of Groningen, the faculty is an internationally oriented community of researchers and teachers that welcomes students from all over the world to broaden and deepen their knowledge, and sharpen their skills in an inspiring, friendly and collegial setting.

Two NWO Spinoza Prize laureates

The highest distinction in Dutch Academia, the Spinoza Prize, has been awarded to two UG professors; to Professor of Ethics and its History Pauline Kleingeld in 2020, and to Professor of the History of Philosophy Lodi Nauta in 2016.

History

The Faculty of Philosophy was established in 1965, as the 'Centrale Interfaculteit' (Central Interfaculty), indicating the connection of all scientific disciplines through philosophy, aiming for social responsibility training for all students.