Philosophy of Mind and Psychology
Take a philosophical approach to understand the human psyche. By delving into philosophical texts and reflecting on theories and findings from other relevant disciplines - such as psychology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence - you will gain more insights into mental phenomena, such as ‘emotions’, ‘intelligence’ and ‘cognition’, as well as ethical and existential questions. This program can also be followed part-time. Philosophy of Mind and Psychology is a track of the MA Philosophy.
National Student Survey, 2023 | n = 46 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n = 7 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Elsevier Beste Studies 2022 & Keuzegids Universiteiten 2023
Program and courses
Apply a philosophical approach to study questions at the intersection of philosophy and psychology. Reflect on the mental phenomena that make up the human mind.
- Address essential philosophical questions such as:
What role do emotions play in our decision making?
How do we cope with crises, risks, uncertainties and turbulence?
How susceptible are we to external influences and how does this affect our claims about freedom and autonomy?
How does the human mode of understanding reality through knowledge-based approaches affect our understanding of the human mind?
What does psychology have to contribute to our understanding of all this? And how can philosophy help deepen that understanding? - 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 Mind and Psychology is a track of the MA Philosophy. You always choose one of the tracks.
Typical courses are:
- Crisis and Insecurity
- The Intelligence of Emotions
- Philosophy and the Limits of Psychology
- Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious
Career prospects
After completing the Master’s track in Philosophy of Mind and Psychology, you are able to reflect critically on what we (can) claim to know about the workings of the mind and its connection to human life.
The knowledge and insights you acquire in this track, offer a solid foundation for a career in research, education, consultancy, policy-making, politics, journalism, counseling, coaching, or mental health care.
Examples of positions in which our alumni are employed:
- Lecturer in Social Work at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences
- Board Member of the Dutch Association for Psychiatry
- Trainer/Coach at Exentra VZW (mental health services)
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 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
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 Mind and Psychology track?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application.