Students can design their own programme based on their own interests, choosing three courses in philosophy from the wide selection of courses offered by the Department of Philosophy. Courses are grouped under the following topics:

• The Philosophical Tradition in Context
• Critical Cultural Theory: Art, Culture and Media
• Philosophy and Public Affairs
• Logic and Language: Mind, Body and Behaviour

Programme outline

The Master's programme in Philosophy yields 60 ECTS credits: 30 credits for courses in philosophy, 10 credits for an elective in philosophy or another discipline and 20 credits for a Master's thesis.

The specific number of credits a student is required to obtain through coursework is determined by the admissions committee and is based on the student's previous qualifications. Fulfilment of all the requirements will take at least one year.

Detailed course information

For detailed course descriptions, follow the link below to the UvA Course Catalogue.

Thesis

The Master's thesis reports on research carried out by the student under the supervision of two academic staff members involved in the programme. The subject of the thesis must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser(s).

For more information on Faculty thesis guidelines, please see the link below.

Degree requirements

The Master's programme in Philosophy is the English version of the UvA's Dutch-taught programme Wijsbegeerte. Students who successfully complete this programme receive a Master's degree in Wijsbegeerte (Philosophy) and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Credit transfer

Students who show exceptional promise during a Regular or Professional Master's programme are encouraged to continue their studies in a Research Master's programme. Once students are admitted to the Research Master's programme, they can transfer credits earned during their previous course of study towards their Research Master's degree. The examination committee determines which courses qualify for transfer.