For best experience please turn on javascript and use a modern browser!
You are using a browser that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade your browser. The site may not present itself correctly if you continue browsing.
Master
Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences (Philosophy)
Compare programme

Study programme

The two-year Master’s programme Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences has a study load of 120 ECTS: 24 ECTS compulsory courses; 12 ECTS philosophical electives; 6 ECTS colloquium; 18 ECTS philosophical Master’s thesis; 60 ECTS non-philosophical courses in the Humanities or in the Social Sciences Master's you are also enrolled in.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Restricted-choice elective: Specialisation
    24

    Specialisation Philosophy of the Humanities: - History and Philosophy of the Humanities - History, Identity, Agency Specialisation Philosophy of the Social Sciences - Philosophy of the Social Sciences - Philosophy, Science and Public Affairs

  • Restricted-choice electives
    12
  • Colloquium Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences
    6
  • Master's Thesis Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences
    18
Compulsory course
Elective
UvA Course Catalogue: Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences
The Philosophy department at the University of Amsterdam is the largest in the Netherlands, and it has a long tradition in training Philosophy students. We are also very proud of our Spinoza Chair. Prof. Huub Dijstelbloem

Interdisciplinary programme

  • Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences is an interdisciplinary programme: it consists of a philosophical part worth 60 ECTS and a part worth 60 ECTS in which you study one of the social sciences or a humanities discipline.
  • In the non-philosophical part, you can complete another Master’s degree programme if you so wish.
  • You will flesh out the precise study programme in consultation with the Master’s coordinator based on your interests and prior education.
  • There are two specialisations: Philosophy of the Social Sciences and Philosophy of the Humanities. Both of the specialisations have two compulsory courses worth 12 ECTS.
  • In addition, you will take electives worth 12 ECTS in the field of philosophy and you will take part in a colloquium (6 ECTS), in which a bridge is built between your own specific field of study and philosophy.
  • Your philosophical track is concluded with a thesis worth 18 ECTS.

Master's thesis

The Master’s thesis (18 ECTS) consists of a research report of 17,000 to 23,000 words. You will determine the research subject in consultation with your thesis supervisor.

Part-time mode

This programme is also offered in part-time study mode, in which case it takes 2 years. You can obtain a maximum of 30 ECTS per year (12-18 ECTS per semester). As a part-time student you will follow the programme together with full-time students. You will prepare your study plan for the part-time programme in consultation with the Master’s programme coordinator (See: Contact).

Transferring to a Research Master's

Students who show promise are encouraged to transfer to a Research Master’s during their one-year or dual programme. Following the selection and admission, you are able, in most cases, to transfer courses that you passed during the one-year or dual programme. The Examinations Board decides whether the courses are eligible for this.