Philosophy (Research Master)
Winter intake start date
2027-02-01
Winter intake deadline
2026-11-25
Philosophical research is work that requires intense and extensive training. When you pursue a career in academic philosophy the ideal place to acquire that training is our Research Master's in Philosophy. The programme offers five different specialisations.
Philosophy has a unique role within contemporary society. Unlike other academic disciplines, its subject matter is not limited to one set of questions, or one domain of investigation. Philosophers poke their noses into all aspects of science and society. In order to do this, they must possess two essential skills, namely the ability to analyse complex issues logically and conceptually and the ability to document their conclusions in clear and persuasive language. Such skills are not innate. They require intensive training. The Research Master's programme in Philosophy constitutes the first professional step towards the acquisition of these skills.
Specialisations
Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology. You will study ancient fundamental questions about ’existence’, the relationship between language and truth, and the essence of reality and explore philosophical questions about the nature of man from the perspective of continental philosophy.
Ethics and Political Philosophy. In this English-taught Master’s specialisation of the Philosophy Research Master’s programme you will study moral conflicts and ethical issues in contemporary Western culture and how politics is a way of coping with these dilemmas.
Philosophy of Mind and Language. In this Philosophy Research master’s specialisation you will explore explicit connections to developments in cognitive neuroscience and linguistics and explore the richness of language and communication from a social and evolutionary perspective.
History of Philosophy and Science. There is an English-taught Master’s programme that is offered in Nijmegen that is called History of Philosophy and Science. This is a Master’s specialisation that focuses on the entire history of philosophy, from antiquity to modern times.
Philosophy of Religion. The specialisation in Philosophy of Religion explores both classical questions concerning religion, such as the problem of evil, the conceptualization of faith and religious practices, and the issues of religious pluralism and (in)tolerance.
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Philosophy has a unique role within contemporary society. Unlike other academic disciplines, its subject matter is not limited to one set of questions, or one domain of investigation. Philosophers poke their noses into all aspects of science and society. In order to do this, they must possess two essential skills, namely the ability to analyse complex issues logically and conceptually and the ability to document their conclusions in clear and persuasive language. Such skills are not innate. They require intensive training. The research Master's programme in Philosophy constitutes the first professional step towards the acquisition of these skills.
Job positions
This programme has been designed for people with the ambition to do research. Graduates tend to fall into one of three groups:
- A majority of the students continue their research within academia by applying for a doctoral programme in the Netherlands or abroad. We take particular pride in the fact that more than 75 percent of our graduates manage to obtain a PhD position within two years of graduating.
- A second group goes on to teach philosophy at secondary schools.
- And a third group enter research-related professions outside of education.
Our graduates are also represented in journalism, science policy, and politics.
The reputation of Radboud University – and of the Philosophy Faculty in particular – will definitely serve you well whichever career path you choose.
