Why study Philosophy at Leiden University?

The master's in Philosophy offers you the choice of four specialisations, each provides a broad overview of the most important philosophical branches, including their historical development and recent topical debates. Contrasting philosophical methodologies are explored, including continental and analytical philosophy. Electives within each specialisation investigate everything from logic, mind and cognition, to ethics, politics and cultural philosophy.

Hone your intellect

The intellectual tools acquired during the study of philosophy are typically transferable skills to complement any given profession. The master?s programme in Philosophy will train you to become an outstanding critical thinker, capable of breaking down the most complex ideas and evaluating the principles upon which various positions are based. During your Master, you will study, analyse and discuss primary philosophical texts while learning how to develop and communicate your own theories and ideas.

Learn from thought leaders

At Leiden University, great minds have been gathering for over five hundred years to explore fundamental questions relating to human existence. Today, the Institute for Philosophy at Leiden University is an international centre for research and education, with an expansive network of partner institutes and an active programme of visiting lecturers.

Career prospects

The one-year master?s programme in Philosophy prepares you for any career in which reasoning skills, high levels of abstraction and critical thinking are valued. You will find our graduates working in an astonishingly wide range of professions and professional organisations. Examples include:

  • Policy Officer at a ministry
  • Copywriter at a media company
  • Freelance editor
  • PhD candidate at an foreign university
  • Editor at a communications consultancy firm
  • Consultant at an IT consultancy firm
  • Editor at a company specialising in reviewing theses and dissertations
  • Coordinator at an international human rights watch organisation
  • PhD candidate at a university in Sweden