Philosophy and Science

The Bachelor's programme in Philosophy and Science at Radboud University offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that bridges the gap between philosophical inquiry and scientific understanding. This programme is designed for students who are curious about the fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, and reality, and who wish to explore how scientific developments influence philosophical thought and vice versa. Over the course of the three-year bachelor's programme, students will engage with a broad range of topics, including ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science, and the scientific disciplines themselves.

The curriculum combines rigorous philosophical training with an in-depth understanding of scientific methodologies and findings across various fields such as physics, biology, psychology, and environmental sciences. Students will develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a capacity for complex reasoning, equipping them to critically analyze scientific claims and their underlying philosophical assumptions. The programme emphasizes active learning through seminars, discussions, and independent research projects, fostering a vibrant academic community where students are encouraged to question established ideas and develop their own perspectives.

Throughout the programme, students gain insight into the philosophical foundations of scientific theories and explore the ethical implications of scientific advancements. They will learn to evaluate scientific evidence, understand the nature of scientific explanations, and consider the societal impact of scientific discoveries. The interdisciplinarity of this programme prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including research, education, policy-making, and roles in science communication or philosophy.

Radboud University’s Philosophy and Science programme is characterized by close collaboration between philosophers and scientists, providing students with opportunities for interdisciplinary projects and internships. The university’s strong focus on internationalization means that classes are often conducted in English, attracting students from all over the world. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue further studies at master’s level, including in philosophy, science, or interdisciplinary programmes, or to enter the workforce with a solid foundation in both philosophical reasoning and scientific literacy. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

This specialisation will teach you what is happening in the world of business and public administration, how innovation is managed in company strategies, how government designs policy and how that interacts with societal challenges.

Key courses: Innovation Management; Policy & Economics; Entrepreneurship; theme courses.

Best preparatory Bachelor’s: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Computing Science or a related degree that admits you to one of the Master’s programmes of the Faculty of Science.

Admission requirements:

You are required to have a Bachelor's degree that admits you to one of the two-year Master's programmes at the Faculty of Science.

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 Bachelor's programme in Philosophy and Science at Radboud University offers students an in-depth understanding of the philosophical questions that underpin scientific practice and the scientific worldview. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to explore the foundational issues in various scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, psychology, and social sciences, while also engaging with classical and contemporary philosophical debates. Students will examine topics such as the nature of scientific explanation, the ethics of scientific research, the concept of scientific progress, and the relationship between science and society.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and argumentative clarity, preparing students for careers in research, academia, policy-making, or other fields that require rigorous conceptual analysis. Courses are structured to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge, combining lectures, seminars, and independent study projects. Students learn to evaluate scientific theories from a philosophical perspective, analyze scientific texts critically, and develop their own reasoned perspectives on complex issues.

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to participate in philosophical debates and discussions, fostering a vibrant academic community. The curriculum often includes modules on the history of science and philosophy, logic, epistemology, ethics, and the philosophy of specific scientific disciplines. The programme aims to equip students with the skills to contribute thoughtfully to discussions about scientific responsibility, technological development, and the societal impact of science.

In addition to core philosophical skills, students will gain familiarity with various scientific methodologies and findings, enabling them to engage meaningfully with scientific literature and practitioners. The programme also prepares students for postgraduate studies in philosophy, science, or related fields, offering a solid foundation for academic or research careers.

The multicultural and interdisciplinary environment at Radboud University supports international cooperation and broad perspectives. The lectures and tutorials are conducted in English, making it accessible to international students. The university’s close ties with scientific institutions and access to cutting-edge research facilities provide valuable opportunities for internships, research projects, and engagement with current scientific and philosophical issues.

Overall, the Philosophy and Science Bachelor's programme at Radboud University is suitable for students with a keen interest in understanding how science and philosophy intersect and influence each other. It fosters a reflective attitude, critical thinking skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical dimensions of scientific knowledge. Graduates are well-prepared to analyze complex scientific problems and ethical dilemmas, communicate effectively about scientific issues, and pursue further academic or professional specialization in philosophy or interdisciplinary fields.