Master of Philosophy
KU Leuven
Key Information
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium
Languages
English, Dutch
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 Year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 4,446 / per year *
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Request Info
* non-EEA / EEA: €1,116
Introduction
Master of Philosophy is just one of the philosophical questions you’ll explore at Leuven's renowned Institute of Philosophy. The program crosses the boundaries of all philosophical disciplines, traditions, and approaches to help you form your own well-rounded view.
The aim of the program is to deepen your knowledge of philosophy by exposing them to more advanced study of the central issues of the subject and by equipping them with the requisite research skills needed to proceed to a higher degree. The program is comprehensive and at the same time allows students to begin to develop their own specialization.
The master provides a broad range of advanced courses while allowing you to focus on specific areas of philosophy and hence begin to develop your own specialization. At the end of the program, you will be able to make a thorough and critical analysis of philosophical texts, situate these texts in the history of ideas, and conduct research at an advanced level, culminating in a Master’s thesis that allows you to present your own analysis of a specific philosophical topic. This program can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Curriculum
Structure
The Master of Arts in Philosophy is a one-year program providing a broad range of both historical and systematic Core Courses which, together with elective courses, guarantee the comprehensiveness of the program. Yet, the program structure allows students to deepen their knowledge in a particular philosophical domain or period, thus laying the basis for their future specialization.
The Master’s Thesis is a key part of the program, where students demonstrate their research, writing, and argumentative skills, as well as thorough insight into the chosen research question and the correct use of primary and secondary sources. Students are encouraged to present their thesis research to an international audience of fellow students, permanent teaching staff, and young researchers associated with the institute at the yearly Graduate Student Conference. The Institute of Philosophy has hosted the conference with great success since 2011.
Ideal Students
Student Profile
- You should be able to further develop your knowledge of a range of philosophical themes and disciplines and build on previously acquired skills.
- You should be motivated to specialize in (a particular area of) philosophy and perform solid independent research at an academic level.
Career Opportunities
Graduates in philosophy are trained to think critically and to effectively organize their thoughts in both written and oral communication. This is why they are considered valuable employees in many work environments.
Graduates in philosophy make careers in many different sectors inside and outside academia, including business, civil service, politics, education, publishing, media, the socio-cultural sector, and journalism.
Many employers seek candidates who are not only well grounded in a specific field, but are 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 to the evolving challenges of contemporary employment.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 60 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Arts
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.