Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges
Critically engage with the key challenges that contemporary societies are facing today, such as climate change, migration, populism, racism and economic inequality. Learn how to 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 and COVID-19
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, 2022 | n = 44 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n = 7 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Elsevier Beste Studies 2022
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 does populism threaten our democracies? How should we think of debate, dialogue and nonpartisan politics in an age of polarization?'
‘Are economic inequalities unjust? If so, would that still be the case when all people would have enough to meet their basic needs?'
'What are ethical challenges that come with technological developments in health and medicine? Do we have a duty not only to cure but also to avoid diseases through genetic engineering and biohacking? - 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
Alumna"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
Alumnus"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 Youth at a Dutch municipality
Alumni facts
- Average number of months between graduation and first job: 4.6
- 86% would choose this program at Tilburg University again
Source: National Alumni Survey 2021 | n = 7 (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.
Interested in the Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges track?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application