History of Philosophy

The History of Philosophy program at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of the development of philosophical ideas and thinkers from ancient times to the modern era. This interdisciplinary programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of philosophical thought across different cultures and historical contexts. Students will examine core philosophical questions, such as the nature of existence, knowledge, ethics, and the human condition, while engaging with primary texts and contemporary interpretations. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex philosophical arguments. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students will develop a nuanced perspective on how philosophical ideas have shaped and been influenced by historical, cultural, and scientific developments. The programme also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, linking philosophy with other fields such as history, literature, and the social sciences to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical tools necessary for careers in academia, education, journalism, public policy, or any profession that benefits from critical reasoning and a deep understanding of philosophical heritage. The department fosters a vibrant academic community where students can engage with renowned scholars and participate in various academic events, seminars, and conferences. Emphasis is placed on fostering independent research skills, preparing students for further academic pursuits or professional ventures. On completion of the programme, students will have gained an extensive knowledge of the main figures, movements, and debates in the history of philosophy, along with the ability to critically analyze philosophical texts and ideas in context. This programme aims to cultivate thoughtful, reflective, and informed individuals capable of contributing to intellectual, cultural, and societal discussions.

The History of Philosophy program at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of the development of philosophical thought from ancient times to the modern era. This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of key philosophical movements, influential thinkers, and the historical context that shaped their ideas. Students will examine classical philosophies from Greece and Rome, including the works of Plato, Aristotle, and their Roman successors, and trace the evolution of philosophical concepts through the medieval period, exploring figures such as Augustine, Aquinas, and Avicenna. The curriculum then progresses into the Early Modern period, with a focus on the Enlightenment thinkers like Descartes, Kant, and Hume, highlighting the shift towards individual reason and scientific inquiry.

Throughout the programme, students engage critically with primary texts and contemporary scholarship, developing analytical skills and gaining the ability to interpret complex philosophical arguments. The coursework emphasizes understanding the influence of historical context on philosophical ideas, fostering an appreciation for how philosophy has shaped, and been shaped by, cultural, religious, and scientific developments over centuries. The programme also addresses important themes such as metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and political philosophy, through a historical lens, allowing students to see how these fundamental issues have evolved and been debated across different eras.

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme encourages students to connect philosophical insights with broader historical and cultural questions. Seminars, lectures, and research projects facilitate active participation and foster a collaborative academic environment. Graduates will be equipped not only with a solid foundation in the history of philosophy but also with critical thinking, research, and communication skills applicable in various fields such as education, research, journalism, and cultural analysis. The program prepares students for further scholarly pursuits or diverse careers that value analytical rigor and a deep understanding of philosophical developments across history.

A completed Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or in a related discipline (in the latter case, students must have acquired at least 60 EC in Philosophical disciplines).

The applicant must have a degree with merit or distinction or equivalent. Meaning: a student’s weighted grade-point average in philosophy in the 2nd and 3rd year of their Bachelor's programme must be the equivalent of 7.5 or more (on the Dutch scale of 10).
On the page "Conversions of international grades" you will find an indication of what the equivalent of a Dutch 7.5 or 8 might be in the country where you obtained your Bachelor’s degree.

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Master's degree must either have obtained a higher diploma from an English-teaching institution or be in possession of one of the following certificates:

• A TOEFL score of ≥577 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Highly motivated

An applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Examination Board that they have serious research interests and skills. Applicant must write a motivation letter and send a writing sample which can help evaluate their research and writing skills.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The History of Philosophy program at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of philosophical ideas, thinkers, and movements from ancient to modern times. This program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the development of philosophical thought across different historical periods and cultural contexts. Students will engage with primary texts, historical contexts, and contemporary philosophical debates, allowing them to appreciate the evolution of ideas and their relevance today. The curriculum typically covers major philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Nietzsche, and contemporary figures, providing a balanced overview of Western philosophical heritage. In addition to historical analysis, the program encourages students to reflect on the implications of philosophical ideas and to develop their own reasoned arguments.

Radboud University is renowned for its focus on research and academic excellence, and the History of Philosophy program is designed to foster analytical skills, clear reasoning, and effective communication. The program often includes modules in related philosophical disciplines, such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy, which complement the historical perspective. Students may have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences that connect philosophical history with current issues and debates. The program also aims to prepare graduates for careers in education, research, journalism, or other fields requiring critical analysis and a nuanced understanding of history and philosophy.

The university's conducive learning environment, coupled with small class sizes and close interaction with faculty, creates an ideal setting for personalized academic growth. Students are encouraged to pursue independent research and develop their own philosophical insights. The program often offers electives or specialization tracks, allowing students to focus on specific regions, periods, or themes within the history of philosophy. Overall, Radboud's History of Philosophy program equips students with a solid foundation in philosophical thought, historical knowledge, and analytical skills vital for academic or professional pursuits in philosophy and related disciplines.