Philosophy of Humanity and Culture

Philosophy of Humanity and Culture

1 year English Starts end of August and end of January

Delve into the history of modern and contemporary continental philosophy. Analyze texts and theories of some of the greatest thinkers of our time to gain a deeper understanding of humanity and society. Use this to shed new light on fundamental questions about art, culture, identity, and being human. This program can also be followed part-time. Philosophy of Humanity and Culture is a track of the MA Philosophy.

94%
of the current students is (very) satisfied with their program

National Student Survey, 2023 | n = 46 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)

4.6
number of months on average between graduation and first job

National Alumni Survey,  2021 | n = 7 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)

#1
in their field in the Netherlands

Elsevier Beste Studies 2022 & Keuzegids Universiteiten 2023

Program and courses

Gain a deep understanding of classic texts from the history of modern, postmodern and contemporary philosophy. This will allow you to reflect on fundamental questions related to art, culture and humanity. The track covers the most important 20th-century and contemporary movements in European philosophy, such as existentialism, postcolonialism, poststructuralism, aesthetics, phenomenology and media philosophy.

  • Address essential philosophical questions such as:

    What is the meaning of art and culture for human experience?
    How can art help us deal with loss, trauma, and war?
    To what extent do 'gender' and 'race' play a role in the formation of identities?
    What is the relationship between philosophy and psychoanalysis?
    What is the relationship between truth and democracy?
    What impact do social media have on the public debate in post-truth times?

  • 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 Humanity and Culture is a track of the MA Philosophy. You always choose one of the tracks.

Typical courses are:

  • Enlightenment and Counter-Enlightenment
  • Identity, Race and Gender
  • Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious
  • Trauma and Art

More on the program and courses

Students walking in the Koopmans building

Career prospects

After graduation you are MA in Philosophy, with a specialization in Philosophy of Humanity and Culture. You will be  a creative and critical thinker with good historical knowledge and excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills. You can use this knowledge and these skills to shed new light on fundamental questions about humanity, identity, culture and society.

The knowledge, insights and skills you acquire in this track, offer a solid foundation for a career in the cultural sector, research, education, journalism, policymaking and counselling.

Examples of positions in which our alumni are employed:

  • Editor at Kunstlicht, academic journal for art, visual culture, and architecture
  • Managing Director at KTAprodukties
  • Policy Officer Social Domain at a Dutch Municipality
  • Senior Researcher at ETZ hospital

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)

More on your career prospects

Students on campus enjoying the good weather

Application and admission

This program starts:

End of August and End of January (both the Master’s and the Pre-Master’s program)

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?

Check your eligibility

More information on this Master's program

Create your own e-brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, 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 Humanity and Culture track?

Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application