Bachelor's Programme in Secondary Education in Philosophy

The Bachelor's Programme in Secondary Education in Philosophy at the University of Groningen is a comprehensive and engaging undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a career in teaching philosophy at the secondary school level. This programme aims to equip future educators with a deep understanding of philosophical concepts, critical thinking skills, and pedagogical competencies necessary to inspire and educate young minds. Throughout the three-year curriculum, students explore a wide array of philosophical disciplines, including ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy, gaining a solid foundation in both classical and contemporary philosophical thought. The program emphasizes analytical skills, argumentation, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, skills that are essential for an effective philosophy teacher.

In addition to philosophical content, students develop pedagogical expertise through coursework focused on teaching methods, curriculum design, assessment techniques, and classroom management tailored to secondary education settings. Practical teaching experiences are integrated into the program, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real classroom environments under the supervision of experienced educators. This combination of theory and practice ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of teaching philosophy at the secondary level. Moreover, the programme encourages students to engage in research projects, philosophical debates, and collaborative learning, fostering a vibrant academic community and enabling students to refine their critical thinking and argumentation skills.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on international and multicultural perspectives, encouraging students to consider philosophy’s role within diverse cultural contexts and pedagogical approaches. Graduates of this programme will be equipped not only with the necessary philosophical knowledge but also with the pedagogical skills to deliver engaging and thought-provoking philosophy lessons. They will be capable of inspiring students to think critically about fundamental questions concerning morality, existence, knowledge, and society, thereby contributing to the development of thoughtful, reflective, and open-minded citizens. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to pursue a teaching career at secondary schools or further academic study in philosophy and education. The University of Groningen provides a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty, extensive resources, and opportunities for international exchange, ensuring students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future professional success in secondary education.

* 1st year The core curriculum of this Master consists of three courses devoted to philosophical methods and texts. The aim is to familiarize with pivotal texts in different areas of philosophy and to develop skills in different styles and methods. Each department offers four to six courses. You choose three courses within their own area of specialization and one from the other two areas. Each department offers tutorials on a particular subject. These tutorials are open to Research Master students only.


* 2nd year The thesis constitutes the culmination of the Research Master programme. It contains two parts: (i) an independent, publishable article (25 EC) , and (ii) a project proposal (5EC).



Specialisations / Tracks
* History of Philosophy (specialization)
* Moral and Political Philosophy (specialization)
* Logic, Epistemology and Philosophy of Science (specialization)

Programme schedule
Courses year 1

* Core Issues (15 EC)
* Philosophical classics (10 EC)
* Specialization courses (20 EC)
* Research in practice I (5 EC)
* Elective (5 EC)
* Seminar (5 EC)

Courses year 2

* Research in practice II (5 EC)
* Term abroad (30 EC)
* RM thesis (25 EC)

Study abroad

* Study abroad is required
* Maximum of 30 EC

Term abroad is required only for Dutch students

The Bachelor's degree programme in Secondary Education Teacher Training for Philosophy at the University of Groningen is designed to prepare students for a career as a qualified philosophy teacher in secondary education. The programme emphasizes cultivating a deep understanding of philosophical concepts, critical thinking skills, and pedagogical competence necessary for effective teaching at the secondary school level. Students are required to complete a comprehensive curriculum that includes core philosophy courses such as epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and logic, alongside educational theory, didactics, and practical teaching skills. The programme mandates a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and supervised teaching assignments to ensure that graduates are well-equipped for classroom practice. Admission to the programme typically requires a secondary education diploma qualifying for university entrance and proficiency in the Dutch language, as most instruction is conducted in Dutch. Applicants may also be assessed based on motivation and relevant extracurricular activities related to education or philosophy. The degree structure includes coursework totaling approximately 180 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits over three years, with each academic year consisting of about 60 ECTS credits. Students are expected to undertake research projects, participate in group work, and engage in reflection on educational practices. To obtain their degree, students must pass all required courses, complete a capstone teaching practice, and submit a final thesis demonstrating their ability to apply philosophical knowledge in educational contexts. The programme also offers opportunities for internships and collaboration with secondary schools, providing practical experience and professional development. Graduates will meet the qualifications required to apply for teaching certification in the Netherlands, enabling them to seek employment as secondary school philosophy teachers. Overall, this programme combines rigorous philosophical education with pedagogical training to produce competent educators capable of inspiring students and fostering critical thinking skills essential for secondary education.

The financing of the Secondary Education Teacher Training program in Philosophy at the University of Groningen is primarily supported through a combination of government funding, student tuition fees, and additional financial aid options. As a university located in the Netherlands, the program benefits from Dutch government funding schemes designed to promote higher education and professional training. The Dutch government subsidizes a significant portion of the tuition costs for both Dutch and EU/EEA students, making attendance more accessible for students from member countries. International students from outside the EU/EEA typically pay higher tuition fees, which contribute directly to the university's operational costs and program funding.

Students enrolled in this program can also explore financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, and loans. The university offers various scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's background or country of origin. Additionally, for students who qualify, there are loan facilities provided by the Dutch government or private financial institutions to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.

Furthermore, the university encourages students to seek external funding sources, including scholarships offered by international organizations, foundations, or partner institutions. Some students may also receive partial funding through Erasmus+ programs if they participate in exchange agreements. The university's transparency regarding tuition fees ensures that students are well-informed of the financial commitments prior to enrollment.

The program's structure is designed to be accessible, with cost considerations taken into account, and the university offers various support services to help students manage their finances throughout their studies. It is important to note that the total cost of the program varies depending on the student's residency status, duration of study, and any additional expenses for materials or housing. Financial planning services are available to assist students in budgeting effectively.

Overall, the financing of the Secondary Education Teacher Training program in Philosophy at the University of Groningen relies significantly on government subsidies, supplemented by individual funding mechanisms, scholarships, and external financial assistance. The university’s commitment to making education accessible is reflected in its extensive support for students to secure the necessary funding, ensuring that dedicated future teachers can pursue their professional goals without unnecessary financial barriers.

The Secondary Education Teacher Training program in Philosophy at the University of Groningen is designed to prepare students for a career as a secondary school teacher specializing in Philosophy. This programme combines a thorough understanding of philosophical concepts, critical thinking skills, and pedagogical competencies required for effective teaching at the secondary education level. Students typically engage with a diverse curriculum that covers key philosophical themes, including ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy, ensuring they develop a broad and deep understanding of the subject matter.

The programme emphasizes active learning through seminars, workshops, and practical teaching experiences, often including internships at secondary schools. These practical components allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings, honing their instructional skills, classroom management, and student assessment techniques. Throughout the course, there is a focus on developing the ability to communicate complex philosophical ideas clearly and engagingly to students with varying levels of prior knowledge.

In addition to subject-specific content, the programme integrates educational psychology, pedagogical strategies, and curriculum development to prepare graduates for the challenges of secondary education. The programme is structured to meet the requirements of accreditation bodies and national education standards, ensuring graduates are well qualified to obtain teaching certification. The typical duration of the programme is four years, culminating in a bachelor's degree that qualifies students to pursue further specialization or enter the teaching profession.

The University of Groningen has a reputation for academic excellence and an international learning environment. Students benefit from small class sizes that foster personalized instruction and closer interaction with faculty members. The university also encourages interdisciplinary learning and research, which enriches the student experience and prepares future teachers to approach their profession from a broad cultural and philosophical perspective.

Graduates of the Secondary Education Teacher Training programme in Philosophy are equipped to inspire critical thought and ethical reasoning among their students, making a significant contribution to secondary education. They are qualified to teach Philosophy at various levels, and the training also emphasizes developing professional standards, ethical principles, and lifelong learning habits necessary for a successful teaching career. The programme aligns with current educational policies and innovations, ensuring graduates are prepared for modern classroom challenges and educational technologies. Overall, this program offers a comprehensive foundation for students passionate about philosophy and education, aiming to foster a new generation of thoughtful, reflective, and engaged learners.