What is consciousness? What is the relation between truth and democracy? If our world is mechanistic, how could chance ever exist? When are differences in wealth unjust?
Philosophy is the systematic investigation of very fundamental questions. You are trained to think and write in a clear manner about topics such as the relation between mind, body and cognition, the nature and basis of moral judgements, the limits of knowledge, and the principles of social justice. A highly individualized program will help you pursue your own research questions and explore philosophical topics, within academia and beyond.
In the Master’s program in philosophy, you can expect to improve your reading skills in order to critically scrutinize vague concepts, tacit assumptions, loose argumentation and widely shared preconceptions that we encounter in everyday life. You will develop analytic rigor and the ability to reason in a logically sound way. You will receive high-quality education taught by dedicated, leading researchers in a friendly environment. The skills you develop in this course will allow you to pursue a career in a variety of fields, such as journalism, consultancy, education, research, and public administration.The Master's program in Philosophy is offered both on a full-time and part-time basis and is concluded with a thesis on a topic of your choice and an optional internship. For more information and to view the courses see the 2025-2026 study guide.
The next Philosophy Master's Day will be held on 26 November 2025. The Philosophy Master's Day is offered as a hybrid event as part of the University of Groningen Master's Week.
Results of the annual National Student Assessment (NSE) show that our students are very satisfied with the contents of our programs and that they 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 and in the Higher Education Review of Dutch University Faculties, we have consistently been ranked among the best in the Netherlands.
The Faculty of Philosophy is home to intern
The programme comprises one year (60 ECTS). The curriculum is based on three components: Two out of three skills- based core modules (10 ECTS), five deepening philosophy courses (25 ECTS) and a final project (25 ECTS) comprising either two specialization electives (10 ECTS) and a Master's thesis of 15 ECTS (Theoretical profile), or an internship (15 ECTS) and a short Master's thesis of 10 ECTS (Practical profile).
You can choose electives from all three Philosophy departments:
Semesters | ||||
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CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
Philosophy Beyond Academia (5 EC) | ||||
Five electives within or outside area of specialisation (25 EC) | ||||
Internship (Practical profile) (15 EC) | ||||
Two electives within area of specialisation (Theoretical profile) (10 EC) | ||||
Audience oriented writing or Philosophical Interventions (5 EC) | ||||
Master thesis course and thesis (Practical profile) (10 EC) | ||||
Master thesis course and thesis (Theoretical profile) (15 EC) |
12 hours of class and self-study per week on average
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
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Liberal Arts and Sciences | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Students with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences need to have completed at least 60 ECTS in philosophical subjects. Written requests need to be sent to the Admission Board via fil-admissions rug.nl. Required: Overview of results of your Bachelor's programme. |
Philosophy | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Philosophy of a specific discipline | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences | University of Groningen |
No additional requirements More information:Students with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences need to have completed at least 60 ECTS in philosophical subjects. Written requests need to be sent to the Admission Board via fil-admissions rug.nl. Required: Overview of results of your Bachelor's programme. |
Please note that application deadlines and entry requirements are based on your diploma qualification and not on your nationality.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 February 2026 | 01 February 2026 |
01 September 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 November 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
01 November 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 November 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
01 November 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
Specific requirements | More information |
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previous education |
Students with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or Philosophy of a Specific Discipline can submit an application to the Admissions Board. Students with a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 60 ECTS worth of Philosophy courses are also welcome to apply to the programme. The Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. |
language test |
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other admission requirements |
Required documents to be provided with application: Copy of bachelor diploma or proof of enrolment including expected graduation date. International students can find more information about the application procedure on the application website. Non-Dutch diploma holders need to complete and submit the Admissions Checklist Master's Degree with their application. We advise non-EU students to apply early as acquiring visa and other documents is often time consuming. |
Exam | Minimum score |
---|---|
IELTS overall band | 6.5 |
TOEFL internet based | 92 |
Please note that application deadlines and entry requirements are based on your diploma qualification and not on your nationality.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 February 2026 | 01 February 2026 |
01 September 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 November 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
01 November 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 November 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
01 November 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
After finishing the Master's degree, many philosophers find work as consultants, educators, journalists 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.
Philosophical research in Groningen has a strong reputation, witness the excellent marks it has received for many years from international assessment committees. According to the most recent committee, headed by Prof. Timothy Williamson, Groningen "is producing research that is cutting-edge by international standards. There is a strong and bracing emphasis on judging work by the highest international standards. Amongst the relevant specialists the reputation of the Institute is high."
The research in Groningen covers a wide area, and it is carried out in three departments: History of Philosophy, Theoretical Philosophy and Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy.
Read more about the research of the Faculty of Philosophy in Groningen