Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges
Apply theories from renowned classical and contemporary philosophers to present-day societal issues, such as climate change, migration, populism, racism and economic inequality. Learn how to critically review familiar ideas with regard to such issues and how to reform or revise these ideas in order to face the challenge at hand. This program can also be followed part-time. Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges is a track of the MA Philosophy.
Education as of September 2022
All education takes place on campus again, now that the coronavirus measures have been scaled back. Of course, we will always maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Therefore, a few basic measures still apply. For the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation, see our FAQs for prospective students.
National Student Survey, 2021 | n = 63 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
National Alumni Survey, 2020 | n = 10 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Keuzegids, 2019 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Program and courses
Learn how to systematically analyze complex societal challenges and shine a new light on them and their solutions. Address not only the theoretical but also the normative questions surrounding these challenges.
- Delve into essential philosophical questions such as:
‘What is the moral status of national borders? Do people have a right to migrate? What obligations do nation states have when it comes to providing protection and aid to refugees?'
'To what extent do populism and post-truth politics threaten our democracies?'
‘Are economic inequalities unjust? If so, would that still be the case when all people would have enough to meet their basic needs?' - Profit from small-scale working methods with a great deal of interaction, which enables in-depth analysis and discussion with fellow students and lecturers.
- This program can also be followed part-time.
Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges is a track of the MA Philosophy. You always choose one of the tracks.
Typical courses are:
- Migration, Refugees and Human Rights
- Populism and Active Citizenship
- Sustainability and Environmental Ethics
- Justice and Inequality
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Nora van Poelje
Master's student"I liked the program because it's about the things that I think and talk about all the time, in my personal life as well. Everybody talks about contemporary challenges, like the environment and terrorism, but do we always know what's really the case?"
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Christoph Klaas
Master's student"I was looking for philosophy programs, but also wanted to deal with current questions and issues that we are confronted with on a global level. This program seemed to contain the right mix of philosophy, politics and practical application."
Career prospects
Upon graduation from this track, you will be an MA in Philosophy, specializing in Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges. You will be able to critically analyse current social, political and ethical issues and to provide well-founded answers based on classical and contemporary philosophical insights.
This will equip you well for positions requiring broad general development, sharp thinking and excellent communication skills. These can be various positions, for example within education and research, journalism, consultancy and the public sector.
Some examples of positions in which our Philosophy alumni and alumni of this specific track are employed:
- PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh
- Manager Resilience & Crisis Management at Deloitte
- Policy advisor at a Dutch municipality
Alumni facts
- Number of months until first paid job: 3.30
- 80% finds a job within 3 months after graduation, and 60% within one month
- 90% would choose this program again, at the same university
Source: National Alumni Survey 2020 | n = 10 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Application and admission
This Master's program starts:
End of August and end of January (both the Master’s and the Pre-Master’s programs)
Best preparatory programs:
Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or - combined with the pre-Master - a Bachelor’s degree in another relevant field.
Pre-Master's program:
Open to both Research University students and students of a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO).
Tuition fees and scholarships
International students find all information about tuition fees and scholarships here.
Interested in this Master's program?
More information on this Master's program
Download the brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
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To be announced
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Discover our compact and green campus during the Campus Experience and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
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09:30 - 17:00
Master's Open day
Interested in doing a Master's program? Find out which Master's program suits you best during our Master's Open day on November 19. Learn all about our (pre-)Master’s programs and tracks, and ask teachers, students, and study advisors your questions. Sign up for the Open day now!
Interested in the Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges track?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application