Philosophy of Mind

The Philosophy of Mind programme at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of one of the most intriguing and fundamental areas of philosophy. This interdisciplinary programme combines rigorous philosophical inquiry with insights from cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence to examine the nature of consciousness, perception, mental states, and the mind-body relationship. Students will investigate essential questions such as: What is consciousness? How do mental states relate to physical processes? Are we justified in believing in free will? The programme provides a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary theories of mind, including dualism, physicalism, functionalism, and emergentism. Through a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and scholarly research, students will evaluate various philosophical arguments and scientific findings related to the mind. The programme includes modules on the philosophy of perception, intentionality, mental representation, and artificial intelligence, preparing students for careers in academia, research, or industries where understanding cognitive processes is valuable. Moreover, the programme encourages active participation in discussions, essays, and research projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Graduates of this programme will be equipped with the conceptual tools and methodological skills necessary to contribute to ongoing debates in philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. They will also possess a nuanced understanding of how mind and consciousness shape our experience of the world, making them well-prepared for diverse professional pathways including research, education, technology development, or policy-making. The international focus of the programme, complemented by opportunities for exchange and collaboration with global scholars, ensures that students gain a broad and inclusive perspective on the profound questions surrounding the philosophy of mind.

The Philosophy of Mind Master's programme at Radboud University offers an in-depth exploration of one of the most intriguing areas of philosophical inquiry. This programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the nature of consciousness, mental processes, and the relationship between mind and body. Throughout the programme, students engage with fundamental questions such as: What is consciousness? How do physical processes in the brain give rise to mental experiences? What is the nature of subjective experience and personal identity? The curriculum combines traditional philosophical approaches with insights from cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on the mind.

Students will study classic and contemporary philosophical theories regarding dualism, physicalism, functionalism, and phenomenology. They will critically examine arguments for and against various positions concerning the mind-body problem, the nature of mental states, and the possibility of artificial intelligence possessing consciousness. The programme emphasizes analytical skills, philosophical reasoning, and clear communication, preparing students for academic research, teaching, or careers requiring critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

The programme is structured over one year (full-time), with coursework complemented by a research thesis. Core courses include modules on consciousness and experience, philosophy of cognitive science, philosophy of psychology, and the mind-body problem. Optional courses allow students to specialize further in areas such as phenomenology, the philosophy of perception, or the scientific study of consciousness. Seminars and workshops provide opportunities for in-depth discussion and engagement with leading scholars in the field.

Radboud University’s Philosophy of Mind programme benefits from a vibrant academic community with access to well-equipped facilities and research resources. Students also have opportunities to participate in conferences, seminars, and research projects, fostering a stimulating intellectual environment. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical tools and philosophical insights necessary to critically evaluate theories of mind and consciousness, contributing to ongoing debates within philosophy and related disciplines.

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 Philosophy of Mind program at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of fundamental questions concerning the nature of consciousness, perception, and mental states. This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of key philosophical issues related to the mind, including the mind-body problem, the nature of subjective experience, and the implications of cognitive science and neuroscience. Students delve into classic and contemporary philosophical debates, examining various theories such as dualism, physicalism, functionalism, and emergentism, to understand different perspectives on how mental phenomena relate to physical processes. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to engage with complex texts and arguments. Courses are often complemented by discussions on how philosophy intersects with other disciplines like psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary philosophy of mind. The program also aims to develop students’ skills in philosophical methodology, including logical reasoning, argumentation, and analytical writing. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects, fostering a vibrant academic community and providing opportunities for scholarly contribution. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, or sectors where analytical skills and philosophical insight are valued, such as AI development, cognitive science, and ethics. Radboud University’s emphasis on critical inquiry and interdisciplinary approach ensure that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable to real-world challenges related to the human mind and consciousness.