Philosophical Ethics

The Master's programme in Philosophical Ethics at Radboud University offers an in-depth exploration of fundamental questions concerning morality, values, and human conduct. This interdisciplinary program aims to equip students with the analytical skills and philosophical knowledge necessary to understand and address complex ethical issues that arise in contemporary society, including those related to medical ethics, environmental concerns, technology, and social justice. Throughout the programme, students will engage with a diverse range of philosophical traditions and contemporary debates, fostering critical thinking and ethical reasoning. The curriculum combines traditional philosophical analysis with practical applications, encouraging students to develop well-founded ethical perspectives and recommendations. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as normative ethics, meta-ethics, applied ethics, or moral psychology, tailoring their studies to their interests and career aspirations. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and real-world implications, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy making, consultancy, or ethical advisory roles within various sectors. Classes are taught by renowned scholars and practitioners committed to fostering an engaging and challenging academic environment. The campus provides a stimulating setting for intellectual growth, with access to excellent research facilities and a vibrant community of fellow students and faculty members. Moreover, students benefit from Radboud University's strong international network, offering opportunities for international exchanges, internships, and collaborative projects. The Master's in Philosophical Ethics aims to develop reflective, morally responsible graduates who can critically evaluate ethical issues and contribute thoughtfully to societal debates. This programme is ideal for individuals passionate about philosophy and ethical inquiry, seeking to make a meaningful impact through their knowledge and insights. Graduates of the programme are well-positioned for further academic research, cross-disciplinary work, or leadership roles that require ethical expertise and philosophical acumen.

The Master's degree in Philosophical Ethics at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of the fundamental questions surrounding moral values, ethical principles, and the nature of right and wrong. This programme is designed for those who are passionate about the philosophical analysis of ethical issues that arise in various aspects of human life, including politics, technology, medicine, and environmental challenges. Throughout the course, students will engage with contemporary ethical theories, classical philosophical texts, and current debates to develop a nuanced understanding of moral philosophy's role in society. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, conceptual clarity, and the application of ethical theories to real-world dilemmas, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy-making, or ethical consultancy. Coursework includes a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent research, encouraging active participation and dialogue among students and faculty. Students will also have the opportunity to specialize in particular areas such as applied ethics, normative ethics, or meta-ethics, tailoring their studies to their professional interests. The program promotes a combination of philosophical rigor and practical relevance, aiming to cultivate ethical awareness and moral reasoning skills essential for tackling complex moral issues in diverse cultural contexts. With access to Radboud University’s extensive resources and collaboration with international experts, students will be well-equipped to contribute thoughtfully to ongoing ethical discussions and to influence practice and policy in various fields. Graduates of the programme will possess a solid foundation in philosophical ethics, enabling them to critically analyze ethical problems and develop well-reasoned solutions applicable in professional environments and research settings alike.

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 Master's programme in Philosophical Ethics at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive understanding of moral philosophy, ethical theory, and applied ethics. This programme aims to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to critically examine moral issues and develop well-founded ethical arguments. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including the history of ethical thought, moral psychology, normative ethics, meta-ethics, and contemporary ethical challenges such as bioethics, environmental ethics, and technology ethics. Students engage with both classical and modern philosophical texts, fostering a deep appreciation of the development of ethical ideas throughout history.

The programme is structured to promote critical thinking, philosophical reasoning, and research skills. Students participate in seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, allowing them to explore specific areas of interest in depth. The teaching methods emphasize active discussion, analysis of philosophical texts, and application of ethical theories to real-world scenarios. The faculty members are experts in diverse fields of ethics and philosophy, offering students personalized guidance and mentorship.

Radboud University emphasizes the importance of an international and interdisciplinary environment, welcoming students from various backgrounds. The programme encourages engagement with current societal debates and practical ethical issues faced by policymakers, healthcare professionals, and technology developers. This prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutes, policy advisory roles, consulting, or pursuing further doctoral studies.

The university's campus provides a stimulating academic atmosphere, with access to extensive libraries and research facilities. Students also benefit from conference participation, internships, and collaborations with ethical committees and organizations. Overall, the Master's in Philosophical Ethics combines rigorous philosophical inquiry with practical relevance, aiming to produce ethically literate graduates capable of addressing complex moral questions in today’s diverse society.