About the programme

The Research Master of Philosophy aims at deepening the student's knowledge, by focusing on a research area in which the student wishes to prepare a PhD.

Structure 

This is a two-year Master’s programme of 120 ECTS Credits offering high-level training for excellent students. The research master programme offers a diversity of research topics and areas, in line with the research centres of the Institute of Philosophy; this diversity allows a student to focus on practically any key area/domain/period/figure in philosophy, while still promoting the comprehensiveness of the philosophical education students receive at the Institute.

Upon registration you select one out of the following five majors:

  • Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy
  • Metaphysics and Philosophy of Culture
  • Phenomenology and Continental Philosophy
  • Political Philosophy and Ethics
  • Analytic Philosophy

The major reflects your area of specialization and it includes both course work (specialised research seminars and courses) and individual research (Research Paper in the 1st stage of the 2-year programme, Research Master’s Thesis in the 2nd stage of the programme).

The research master’s thesis has the format of a research article and should demonstrate your ability to conduct original research and eventually pursue doctoral studies. 

 

Programme Research Master of Philosophy

Curious about which courses you will follow or which options you will have? Do you want to know what a typical week will look like?

Study programme Abridged programme

Open Online Courses in Philosophy

Discover our online courses to prepare yourself for obtaining a degree in philosophy at KU Leuven

Check out the online courses

Philosophy library

Has one of the finest philosophical libraries in the world and houses the famous Husserl-Archives

Library tour

Student exchange opportunities

The Institute of Philosophy has Erasmus+ exchange agreements with more than 40 European universities, including universities in Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Dublin, Lisbon, Madrid, Rome, and Prague. 

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Graduate Student Conference

Master and Research Master students are encouraged to present their thesis research to an international audience at the yearly Graduate Student Conference that the Institute of Philosophy has hosted with much success for nine years now.

Study Lab

Teachers and assistants, study career consultants, study coaches and the ombuds office are ready to guide you through a broad range of support options.

More on study support

Testimonials

The HIW is an institution that solicites and nourishes independent thinking, conversation, and respectful disagreement."

Admission and application

Admission requirements 

Student profile

  • The Research Master of Philosophy aims at deepening the student's knowledge, by focusing on a research area in which the student wishes to prepare a PhD.

  • You should have already acquired a broad and relatively deep knowledge of the history of philosophy and of the most important research domains in philosophy.

  • You should be able to demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in previous studies and they should have proven research abilities.

Application deadline

For the most recent – and only official – information on application deadlines, check KU Leuven - Application Deadlines.

Application procedure

Check the application instructions for Bachelor, Master, Postgraduate programmes and Credit Contracts. There is also a video that explains the application procedure from start to finish.  

Tuition fees

Tuition fees

It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many other European countries thanks to the generous financing of the higher education system by our government. Although all of our programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of the student.

Check out our tuition fees for your particular programme. 

Scholarships

Our aim is to offer affordable tuition fees for all students, which means we only have a limited number of scholarships available for students from particular backgrounds or studying in particular fields.

Excellent students who are eligible for a Master Mind Scholarship are invited to submit their application before 1 February.

After graduation

 

Career perspectives

Most of our graduates aspire to an academic career and go on to obtain PhDs in Philosophy, either at the Institute of Philosophy or at universities abroad, even at such prestigious universities as Oxford, Yale, Princeton and New York University (NYU). After completing their PhD they eventually work as professors or researchers, and our placement records are very good.

Other graduates go on to careers in many different sectors, including: business, civil service, politics, education, publishing, media, the socio-cultural sector, journalism, academia and elsewhere. Many employers seek candidates who are not only well grounded in a specific field, but also able to handle the diverse challenges arising in a fast-paced workplace. Graduates in philosophy are well positioned to think clearly and respond effectively in the workplace.

Why KU Leuven

KU Leuven is one of Europe’s highest-ranked and most renowned universities. It boasts a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education. But KU Leuven has quite a few other strengths as well.

More information

Our campus in Leuven 

The city of Leuven is home to the main and largest KU Leuven campus.

Institute of Philosophy

Website of the Institute of Philosophy

Publications

Find out more about studying at KU Leuven and quickly find the practical information you need.  

Chat with our students

Do you have any questions about student life in Belgium, life at KU Leuven or do you want more information about a specific course or programme? You can ask our students directly.

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Questions about the programme?

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Questions about admissions?

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