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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Philosophy
Header image Philosophy

Philosophy

What is consciousness? What is the relation between truth and democracy? If our world is mechanistic, how could chances 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 programme will help you pursue your own research questions and explore philosophical topics, within academia and beyond. What can you expect from the Master's programme in philosophy?

  • improve your reading skills to critically scrutinize vague concepts, tacit assumptions, loose argumentation, and widely shared preconceptions that we encounter in everyday life
  • develop analytic rigor and the ability to reason in a logically sound way
  • receive high-quality education taught by leading and dedicated researchers in a friendly atmosphere
  • pursue a career in journalism, consultancy, education, research or in public administration

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 center of Groningen. The Master's programme 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 page 64 of the 2024-2025 study guide.

Register for our Philosophy Master's Day to be held on Wednesday 20 November 2024. Registration is possible from 1 November. The Philosophy Master's Day is offered as a hybrid event and is part of the University of Groningen Master's Week.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Philosophy
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60822
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Philosophy
Why study this programme in Groningen?

Results of the annual 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 contacts between our staff and students. In reviews of the Keuzegids Universiteiten and in the Higher Education Review of Dutch University Faculties, our faculty has consistently been ranked high in the top of the Netherlands.

Programme

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:

  • 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.

Students may also take one or two electives offered by other faculties (with a total of max. 10 ECTS), if they deem these relevant for their intended philosophical professionalization and with the approval of the Board of Examiners.

A comprehensive overview of our courses can be found in our catalogue: https://ocasys.rug.nl/2023-2024/catalog/programme/PROG-232

A further detailed description of the programme can be found in our prospectus: https://www.rug.nl/filosofie/education/prospectus

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
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)

Study load

12 hours of class and self-study per week on average

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is unaccommodated
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
PhilosophyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Philosophy of a specific disciplineAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Liberal Arts and SciencesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Students Liberal Arts need to have finished at least 60 ECTS in philosophical subjects. Written requests need to be sent to the Admission Board via FIL-study-advisor rug.nl. Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV and a writing sample.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
PhilosophyUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Philosophy of a specific disciplineUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

No additional requirements

More information:

More information: Students Liberal Arts need to have finished at least 60 ECTS in philosophical subjects. Written requests need to be sent to the Admission Board via fil-admissions rug.nl. Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV and a writing sample.

Registration procedure

Please note that application deadlines and entry requirements are based on your diploma qualification and not on your nationality.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 February 202501 February 2025
01 September 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 November 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
01 November 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 November 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
01 November 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

We expect a Bachelor's degree in philosophy or philosophy of a specific scientific discipline, or another Bachelor's degree which the admissions board considers to be equivalent.

language test

Proof of English proficiency: you will need to prove your proficiency in English by means of one of the following tests (the test cannot be older than two years):

IELTS, minimum overall score 6.5 TOEFL 92/120 IBT

This requirement does not apply if you:

  • are a native speaker and completed secondary education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia
  • have completed your bachelor education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia
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.

Language requirements

ExamMinimum score
IELTS overall band6.5
TOEFL internet based92

Registration procedure

Please note that application deadlines and entry requirements are based on your diploma qualification and not on your nationality.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 February 202501 February 2025
01 September 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 November 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
01 November 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 November 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
01 November 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

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.

Job examples

  • Consultant
  • Researcher
  • Journalist
Research

Research

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

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Gwendolyn Hooijkaas MSc (Admissions Liaison)
    Email: fil-admissions rug.nl
  • Dr. Marc Pauly (Programme coordinator Master Philosophy)
    Email: m.pauly rug.nl
  • Janine Weeting MSc (Studieadviseur)
    Email: fil-study-advisor rug.nl
Watch this video

Study associations

STUFF

STUFF is the social network of all philosophy students of the University of Groningen.
STUFF organizes philosophical activities, like lectures and debates and trips to foreign universities as well as many social happenings such as monthly meetings at a local café, (theme) parties, competitions etc.
https://stuffgroningen.nl/
Read more
Study support

The programme provides study support and the study advisor monitors your study progress. If you have any questions you can contact the study advisor (fil-study-advisor rug.nl). You can contact the study advisor in case of personal problems that affect your study performance. Students can make an appointment via janineweeting.youcanbook.me