Philosophy: Utrecht University

About the programme

The Research Master's programme in Philosophy offers a wide range of intensive courses and tutorials on the history of philosophy, theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy. It requires a strong commitment to academic values, a lively interest in philosophical questions and a readiness to participate in discussions of an analytic and, sometimes, highly technical nature.

Career Opportunities

For many students, this programme is an ideal springboard for a PhD programme. At the same time it can be viewed as the basis for any career for which an in-depth understanding of philosophical questions and traditions may be useful (such as journalist, editor, librarian, etc.).

Recent studies show that Master's graduates in philosophy are successful in finding jobs because they are broadly educated and can express themselves accurately and clearly both in debates and in writing about complex problems.

Entrance Requirements

The holder of a Dutch or foreign higher education degree who demonstrates knowledge, insight and skills in the following fields will be admitted to this Master’s programme:

• Knowledge in the field of one of the humanities, social sciences or exact sciences, at Bachelor’s degree level;
• Insight into one of the humanities, social sciences or exact sciences, at Bachelor’s degree level;
• Skills with regard to carrying out research and reporting on one of the humanities, social sciences or exact sciences, at Bachelor’s degree level;
• A clear interest in Philosophy, which is shown by having taken at least 60 ECTS of philosophy subjects at Bachelor’s degree level (or equivalent) with a well above satisfactory average score (=7); at least two level 3 philosophy courses must have been taken, for which the student must have obtained a good score (minimum score of 8); these level 3 subjects must be related to the subjects the student wishes to take in the Master’s degree programme;
• Demonstrable knowledge of the main types of research issues and methods in the field of philosophy;
• Knowledge of the basic concepts that are used in research in the field of philosophy.

English proficiency

All other applicants, including applicants who hold a Dutch HBO diploma (diploma of higher professional education), must provide proof of proficiency in English. To do so, you are required to take one of the following English language tests:

• IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing. IELTS is the test preferred by Utrecht University.
• TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 93. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
• Cambridge Certificates
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English at least a B grade.
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least a C grade.