Philosophical Anthropology

What is the importance of the body? What is the relationship between human beings and the world they inhabit? Is it still valid to think of humans as being rational beings? What is the impact of the unconscious? How to conceptualize the relation between humans and animals? What is the relevance of gender and race?

During the Master’s in Philosophical Anthropology, you’ll study the philosophical significance of questions related to approaches in phenomenological, psychoanalysis and gender and feminist theory. You’ll gain insight into how to ask questions that are significant for the contemporary age and examine them in the light of major thinkers from the continental philosophical tradition. The specialisation is geared towards investigating concepts of subjectivity, body and unconsciousness, and sexuality and gender.

Accreditation: NVAO

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

Philosophical Anthropology at Radboud University offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental questions concerning human existence, nature, and identity from a philosophical perspective. This program examines the essence of what it means to be human, addressing themes such as consciousness, freedom, morality, and the social and cultural dimensions of human life. Students will engage with both classic and contemporary philosophical texts, gaining insights into diverse perspectives on human nature and the human condition.

The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to reflect deeply on the philosophical issues surrounding human life. It combines rigorous theoretical coursework with opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration, integrating insights from psychology, anthropology, and cultural studies to provide a well-rounded understanding of philosophical questions about humanity. Core courses include topics like the philosophy of mind, existentialism, ethics, and the philosophy of culture.

In addition to lectures, students participate in seminars, discussions, and research projects that promote active engagement with philosophical debates. The program emphasizes developing a personal philosophical perspective while also preparing students for various professional paths, including academia, counseling, social work, and other fields that require a nuanced understanding of human nature.

Radboud University's academic staff are dedicated experts in the field, offering personalized mentorship and fostering an inclusive academic environment. The program also explores themes such as the impact of technology on human life, the relationship between body and soul, identity in a globalized world, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements.

Graduates of this program will be equipped with the analytical tools and philosophical insights necessary to critically assess contemporary social and ethical issues. The program encourages lifelong learning and provides a strong foundation for further academic research or professional endeavors that benefit from deep philosophical inquiry into what it means to be human.

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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 MSc in Philosophical Anthropology at Radboud University is a comprehensive program designed to explore the fundamental questions concerning human existence, identity, and culture through a philosophical lens. This program emphasizes a thorough understanding of the nature of human beings, integrating insights from philosophy, psychology, and cultural studies to provide students with a multidisciplinary perspective. The curriculum typically covers core topics such as the nature of self-awareness, consciousness, morality, and the development of human values over time. Students are encouraged to critically analyze different philosophical traditions and contemporary debates surrounding human nature and societal issues.

Radboud University’s approach to Philosophical Anthropology combines theoretical inquiry with practical application, fostering skills necessary for academic research, teaching, and policy advising. The program is structured to include both coursework and research components, requiring students to engage deeply with both classical texts and modern philosophical arguments. Furthermore, students often participate in seminars, workshops, and colloquia featuring renowned scholars from around the world, providing opportunities for academic networking and professional development.

The program is designed to be accessible to students with a background in philosophy or related disciplines, though prerequisites may vary. It aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, cultural institutions, policy development, and various sectors where understanding human nature and ethical issues is vital. The university's location in Nijmegen offers a vibrant academic community, with access to various resources, research centers, and interdisciplinary projects.

In addition to academic rigor, Radboud University emphasizes ethical awareness and social responsibility in its teaching philosophy. Students are expected to develop a nuanced understanding of human diversity and a critical perspective on contemporary societal challenges. The program also encourages international exchange and collaboration, attracting students from all over the world who are interested in the philosophical exploration of what it means to be human.

Overall, the MSc in Philosophical Anthropology at Radboud University provides a challenging and enriching environment for those passionate about understanding the complexities of human life from a philosophical perspective, equipping graduates with valuable analytical, research, and communication skills essential for advanced careers and lifelong learning.