Philosophy (Research)
Our Research Master Philosophy offers you the opportunity to work with leading scholars in the history of philosophy, practical philosophy and theoretical philosophy.
The Faculty of Philosophy in Groningen is a vibrant, international community of excellent researchers and teachers. It consistently receives the highest evaluations both for research and for teaching among philosophy departments in the Netherlands from independent assessors. Groningen's internationally renowned staff have expertise in almost all areas of philosophy.
The Research Master allows you to specialize in one of three areas: History of Philosophy, Theoretical Philosophy and Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy.
As a research Master's student you will receive instruction in core areas of philosophy and choose courses and tutorials aimed at your particular interests. In addition to philosophical training, students will develop professional skills such as academic writing, presenting at conferences, publishing research and networking within the academic community, which are essential for a career in academia or in a related field.
- 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.
We expect an academic Bachelor's degree in philosophy or philosophy of a specific scientific discipline, or a degree which the Admissions Board considers to be equivalent.
- Checklist to fill out
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation Letter
- Two academic letters of reference
- A sample of academic writing in English: i.e. your thesis or 10-15 pages of other academic coursework preferably related to the programme you are applying to.
Job prospects
The Research Master in philosophy prepares you to do a PhD in philosophy, but it also provides vital transferable skills for other jobs where research and presentation skills are needed, such as journalism, government work, consultancy, publishing, and education.
For those who want to pursue an academic career in philosophy, Groningen offers many opportunities. The Faculty of Philosophy in Groningen is very successful at securing research grants, which fund many additional PhD and postdoc positions.
