Philosophy Research

The two-year English research master's programme in philosophy is tailored for talented and highly motivated students. It has an international character and is of high academic calibre. Thanks to the small number of admissions, supervision is personal and intense. As a student, you will specializes in one of seven possible philosophical domains, which range from metaphysics and epistemology over the history of philosophy to anthropology and ethics. Each specialization is linked to the research carried out at the Faculty. In the course of your two years, you will follow four research seminars in your own domain, two master seminars (out of a choice of eight), an intense methodology seminar and skills training in oral presentation and academic writing. In the research seminars you will discuss your own work as well as that of faculty members and of guest scholars. A research paper and a thesis will conclude the programme. The thesis takes the form of a publishable article and of a research proposal. The aim of the programme is to prepare you for a career in research, in a university context or in the public or private sectors.

Specialisations:

• Specialisation in History of Philosophy (Research)
• Specialisation in Metaphysics and Epistemology (Research)
• Specialisation in Philosophical Anthropology (Research)
• Specialisation in Philosophical Ethics (Research)
• Specialisation in Philosophy of Language and Logic (Research)
• Specialisation in Philosophy of Mind (Research)
• Specialisation in Philosophy of Religion (Research)
• Specialisation in Social and Political Philosophy (Research)

Key courses: Philosophical ethics; Methodology; Mind and Action; History of Philosophy; Philosophy of Language; Social and Political Philosophy.

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 Research Master’s programme at Radboud University offers an in-depth exploration of philosophical questions and issues through a rigorous academic approach. This programme is designed for students who have a strong background in philosophy and aim to pursue advanced research careers, doctoral studies, or academic positions. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, critical thinking, and research competencies, enabling students to conduct independent philosophical research and contribute original ideas to the field. Students can choose from various specializations within philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, and history of philosophy. The programme combines coursework, seminars, and individual research projects, often culminating in a master’s thesis that demonstrates the student’s research capabilities and philosophical insights. Radboud University’s research-focused environment provides students with access to distinguished faculty members who are active in international philosophy research communities. The university promotes a collaborative learning atmosphere where students are encouraged to develop their own research proposals and participate in conferences and seminars. The Research Master’s in Philosophy prepares students for doctoral studies and careers in academic research, offering comprehensive training in research methodology, academic writing, and presentation skills. Furthermore, the programme benefits from Radboud University’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to engage with related fields such as cognitive science, law, and social sciences. The duration of the programme is typically two years, during which students develop their research topics and contribute to ongoing projects at the university. Graduates of this programme are equipped with the conceptual tools and methodological skills necessary to analyze complex philosophical problems critically and independently. Radboud University’s philosophy department has a notable reputation, and its research community is active and internationally recognized, offering students an excellent environment for academic growth and scholarly contribution.