Mission & Strategy

Humanities in Utrecht: comprehensive, yet specialised

The Faculty of Humanities is home to the disciplines of history, art, philosophy, music, literature, language, religious studies, and media. Our education and research in these fields are centred around Western culture, from classical antiquity to the present day, examined from a global perspective. Within this broad context, the faculty has earned a special reputation in certain fields, such as linguistics, economic and social history, philosophy and gender studies. It is also the only university in the Netherlands offering a study programme in Celtic studies (in Dutch).

Excellence in education and research

We are a multifaceted research faculty that is proud to provide high-quality education. Starting in their very first year of study, students are brought into contact with lecturers who are considered to be the leaders in their respective fields. The faculty offers excellent students and researchers the freedom and supervision necessary to develop their talents even further. Characteristic of humanities in Utrecht are its intensive cooperative efforts in education and research, especially across geographical and disciplinary borders.

Social relevance

Most of our research is financed with public means, so we consider it only natural that the results of our research should be accessible to the general public. We achieve this by organising public activities, providing social services and contributing to social debates. We have also accumulated expertise in conducting commissioned research, especially in the field of corporate history. Furthermore, the faculty provides an important contribution to the social and cultural development of the city and the province of Utrecht, with efforts such as our comprehensive collaboration with the Stichting Vrede van Utrecht (Treaty of Utrecht Foundation) (in Dutch). As a pioneer in the Utrechts Actieplan Leraren (Utrecht Action Plan for Teachers) (in Dutch), the faculty works on solutions to the shortage of teachers in secondary education and to improve the quality of teaching.

Inspiring environment

Most of the faculty’s educational facilities, work spaces and other resources are located in monumental buildings in the historic centre of Utrecht. These locations make the Faculty of Humanities an inspiring place to work and study, physically as well as intellectually.