The specialisation in Philosophy of Religion explores both classical questions concerning religion, such as the problem of evil, the conceptualization of faith and religious practices, and the issues of religious pluralism and (in)tolerance. As a research Master’s student, you’ll be affiliated with the Center for Contemporary European Philosophy, and will take part in activities of this research group.
Philosophy of Religion: Something for you?
This is the only research master in philosophy in the Netherlands that offers a specialisation in philosophy of religion.
Our faculty is home to experts in the fields of philosophy, theology and religious studies.
The programme offers a lively, international environment.
Our students rate this Master’s programme 8,6 out of 10 according to the National Student Survey 2019.
What will you learn?
The specialisation in Philosophy of Religion explores both classical questions concerning religion, such as the problem of evil, the conceptualization of faith and religious practices, and the issues of religious pluralism and (in)tolerance. You will focus on questions like what is the relation between philosophy and religion in Western culture and in other cultural contexts? How does modern and contemporary philosophy reflect on religion? What is meant by a philosophical critique of religion? Which theories of religion have been developed? What is religious experience? Key authors include Agamben, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud, De Certeau, Foucault, Gauchet, Said and Taylor.
Career prospects
Master's programme in Philosophy (Research)
Philosophy has a unique role within contemporary society. Unlike other academic disciplines, its subject matter is not limited to one set of questions, or one domain of investigation. Philosophers poke their noses into all aspects of science and society. In order to do this, they must possess two essential skills, namely the ability to analyse complex issues logically and conceptually and the ability to document their conclusions in clear and persuasive language. Such skills are not innate. They require intensive training. The research Master's programme in Philosophy constitutes the first professional step towards the acquisition of these skills.
Job positions
This programme has been designed for people with the ambition to do research. Graduates tend to fall into one of three groups:
A majority of the students continue their research within academia by applying for a doctoral programme in the Netherlands or abroad. We take particular pride in the fact that more than 75 percent of our graduates manage to obtain a PhD position within two years of graduating.
A second group goes on to teach philosophy at secondary schools.
And a third group enter research-related professions outside of education.
Our graduates are also represented in journalism, science policy, and politics.