Study Programme

Students follow a specially designed programme of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) that can be completed in two years.

The programme has two components: a general component (the core programme), which all students are required to follow, and a specific component in which you can specialize on particular fields. This part of the programme is organized within the research groups in Utrecht (history of philosophy, theoretical philosophy or practical philosophy), all of which are cooperating very closely. This cooperative spirit offers to the Research Master students ample opportunities for work across these fields of specialization.

General Component (30 ECTS)

The general component consists of a course attended by all RMA-students: Core Readings (22.5 ECTS), and a general seminar. The Core Readings are devoted to studying central texts from all three research areas within ZENO, i.e. the history of philosophy, theoretical and practical philosophy. The general seminar (7.5 ECTS) involves attendance at the Zeno Lectures and the Utrecht Humanities Lectures – prestigious guest lectures featuring distinguished international speakers, organized by the research institue; these lectures are accompanied by a seminar with the speaker.

You also participate in the regular research seminars of the research groups within ZENO, and will here present your work in progress to each other and to the staff.



Specific Component (90 ECTS)

In the specific component, you have the opportunity to develop a specialized programme, in close consultation with your tutor and the research groups in Utrecht. You can choose from a wide variety of courses and seminars and you can also arrange tutorials with staff members. Courses and tutorials can also be followed at other universities.

Students complete the programme by writing a Master's thesis (30 ECTS).


Personalise your Programme

There are ample options for personalising your programme, apart from choosing the tutorials and courses that suit your interests: spend some time abroad; follow an internship; attend conferences; participate in the Department’s activities as a student assistent; ...

More Information

Read more about the study programme on the programme website of Philosophy. Here you can find an overview and information about courses.