Master's programs

Research Master in Philosophy

The Research Master's program in Philosophy is a two-year program that covers a wide range of subjects in philosophy. Our overall aim is to provide you with the skills and insight needed to do independent intellectual work in philosophy at a postgraduate level. Some of our students want to acquire these skills and insights as preparation for a PhD track, some plan to use them in another area of intellectual enterprise, and some are just curious and want to know what postgraduate studies in philosophy are like. But all are invited to participate in a lively research environment in which students are encouraged to interact with some of the best minds in the field.

The art of thinking
The difference between our Research Master’s program in Philosophy and other programs is that it emphasizes skills. You will receive a solid, thorough training in the art of thinking: clear reasoning, critical analysis, deciphering complex subjects, and techniques such as conveying your thoughts accurately. As a Master’s graduate you will be able to make a valuable contribution to the intellectual debate on philosophy, both amongst colleagues and in wider social circles.

Excellent research
Research in philosophy at Tilburg University attracts world-wide attention. In theoretical philosophy, the Tilburg Center for Logic and Philosophy of Science (TiLPS) is home to extensive collaboration between logicians, philosophers of science, epistemologists, and philosophers of language. And in practical philosophy there is a similarly strong cooperation between ethicists and social, political and legal philosophers. There are frequent guest lectures by renowned speakers from all over the world, all of which are open to students. We stimulate an intellectually open atmosphere and we not only study the many interconnections between philosophical topics but also engage in interdisciplinary research, in which philosophical points of view are combined with insights from economics, legal theory, psychology, sociology, anthropology, linguistics or computer science.

What makes this program special?

• You will receive hands-on training in philosophy through participation in research seminars in a variety of fields, including Philosophy of Science, Logic, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language, Ethics, Philosophy of Law, Philosophy of Culture, and Social Philosophy.
• Training courses will help you improve scholarly skills such as academic writing and giving talks.
• You will get a chance to discuss your ideas with leading philosophers from all over the world.
• You will be assigned a personal tutor, who will give you active support.