Degree from a Dutch research university
This page outlines the step-by-step process for completing your application to a Master's programme at Utrecht University. Please read this information thoroughly before starting your application.
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the research Master’s programme in Philosophy if you have a Bachelor’s degree and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- Familiarity with the academic study of philosophy. Although a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy is not required, you must have completed at least 45 EC of philosophy courses (and at least 22.5 EC at an advanced undergraduate level). Under some circumstances, theory courses from non-philosophy departments may count.
- Knowledge of the methods and theories employed in the study of philosophy (as acquired in specific courses taken in your Bachelor; a list of the relevant courses you have completed with brief explanations is a helpful supplement to a formal transcript).
- An excellent level of academic achievement (as shown in your grades).
- Intellectual curiosity and highly developed analytical skills (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation and writing sample).
- Strong motivation to participate in the research life of the department (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation).
- The ability to use English as a working language and an international orientation (as shown in your letter of motivation and CV).
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. The committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. The committee takes into account:
- General level of professional and intellectual ability, as demonstrated by your previous academic performance.
- Level of relevant knowledge and mastery of relevant methods and techniques.
- Motivation for the Master’s programme.
- Communication skills, initiative, and ability to cooperate.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
The Admissions Committee bases its decision on the documents you submit with your application. In addition, you may be asked to participate in an interview (in person or via Skype).
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this research Master’s programme:
At Utrecht University
- Filosofie
- Taal- en cultuurstudies with a major (hoofdrichting) in Philosophy
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major (hoofdrichting) in Philosophy
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- University College with a major in Philosophy
- Kunstmatige intelligentie
If you are currently enrolled in a different UU Bachelor’s programme and are thinking about applying for this Master’s programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible. For example, in combination with other advanced courses, outstanding performance in the Minor in Wat is de mens? or Het goede, het ware, het schone can qualify you for admission.
At another Dutch research university
- Philosophy
- Philosophy of a Specific Scientific Discipline
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a concentration (hoofdrichting) in Philosophy
If you are currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and are thinking about applying for this Master’s programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and by taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible.
The research Master in Philosophy does not offer a Pre-Master’s programme.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [CET/CEST] on the specified date. You must complete the application process (including submitting your application documents in OSIRIS Online Application and paying the application fee) by this time.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
- Transcript from OSIRIS
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Courses yet to be completed
- Relevant courses
- Writing sample (research paper, essay or BA thesis) that demonstrates your capacity for interpreting difficult philosophical texts and arguing for a philosophical thesis. It should be +/- 10 pages and written in English.
Degree from another Dutch research university
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Courses yet to be completed
- Diploma or graduation statement
- Relevant courses
- A scan of your transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp and signature of the institute. - Writing sample (research paper, essay or BA thesis) that demonstrates your capacity for interpreting difficult philosophical texts and arguing for a philosophical thesis. It should be +/- 10 pages and written in English.
Visit Studielink and complete the registration process. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here. After completing your Studielink application, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Online Application within 2 working days.
Apply via StudielinkAfter submitting your application to Studielink, you will receive an email with login details for OSIRIS Online Application. Here you can upload all required documents, check the status of your application and enter contact details of your referee(s).
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. We strive to inform you of our decision within 20 working days.