Philosophy of Humanity and Culture
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.
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)
Alumni of Philosophy | National Alumni Survey, 2020 | n = 10 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Keuzegids, 2019 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Program and courses
Gain a deep understanding of classic texts from the history of modern, postmodern and contemporary philosophy, with which you can 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 to acquire freedom?'
'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 Counterenlightenment
- Identity, Race and Gender
- Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious
- Trauma and Art

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
- Artist (self-employed)
- Lecturer in Journalism at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences
Alumni facts
- Number of months until first paid job: 3.30
- 80% of our alumni find a job within 3 months, and 60% within one month
- 90% would choose this program again at Tilburg University
Source: National Alumni Survey 2020 | n = 10 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)

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?
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 Humanity and Culture track?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application