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?
Open Online Courses in Philosophy
Discover our online courses to prepare yourself for obtaining a degree in philosophy at KU Leuven
Philosophy library
Has one of the finest philosophical libraries in the world and houses the famous Husserl-Archives
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.
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.
Testimonials
The HIW is an institution that solicites and nourishes independent thinking, conversation, and respectful disagreement."
Admission requirements
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You should have a good command of both spoken and written English.
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Students with an master degree in philosophy may be eligible for the Abridged Research Master of Philosophy programme of 60 credits. They in fact enter directly the second stage of the regular 2-year Research Master of Philosophy.
- Official and current admission requirements abridged programme
- Official and current admission requirements Research Master of Philosophy (120 ECTS)
Student profile
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
- Discover our strengths: KU Leuven - Institute of Philosophy
- A virtual tour of our faculties
- Why you should come to Belgium
Our campus in Leuven
The city of Leuven is home to the main and largest KU Leuven campus.
Institute of Philosophy
Publications
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Chat with our students
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