MA Philosophy: Pre-master
Admission to the pre-master's programme
The pre-master’s programme in Philosophy is intended for students with a bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, who do not fulfil the entry requirements regarding the knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of philosophy. It provides a bridging programme for students who have applied for the MA Philosophy 60 EC or 120 EC, but who, according to the Board of Admissions, still have deficiencies in philosophy.
During the pre-master's you will gain the knowledge, understanding and philosophical skills needed for successful participation in the Master’s programme. Upon successful completion of the pre-master's programme students will be granted unconditional admission to the relevant specialisation of the MA Philosophy 60 EC or 120 EC.
Please note
A pre-master's programme is not an independent study programme, therefore students cannot apply for admission to the pre-master Philosophy, only for admission to one of the specialisations of the MA Philosophy 60 EC or MA Philosophy 120 EC. Upon receiving your application the Board of Admission will decide whether you are eligible for admission to the master's or the pre-master's programme. This decision depends largely on your academic background and skills.
Applicants with a degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) are not eligible for admission to the MA Philosophy or pre-master's in Philosophy.
Structure and duration of the pre-master's programme
The pre-master's in Philosophy offers four packages. Depending on the MA specialisation that you have applied for, one of these packages will have been (wholly or partially) prescribed.
Package A
MA Philosophy 60 EC: Modern European Philosophy
MA Philosophy 120 EC: Philosophy of Humanities
Package B
MA Philosophy 60 EC: Moral and Political Philosophy
MA Philosophy 60 EC: Philosophical Perspectives on Politics and the Economy
MA Philosophy 120 EC: Philosophy of Law, Governance, and Politics
Package C
- MA Philosophy 60 EC: Philosophy of Knowledge
Package D
MA Philosophy 60 EC: Global and Comparative Philosophy
MA Philosophy 120 EC: Philosophy in World Traditions
Structure
The pre-master consists of a package of courses at BA level with a total course load of 60 EC's. The exact stucture and the choice of components of the pre-master depends on the chosen specialisation of the Master's programme.
compulsory introductiory courses of 5 EC each (level 100-200)
optional course of 5 EC (level 100-200), if applicable
advanced seminar(s) at third-year BA level of 10 EC each (level 300-400)
Students can start a pre-master's programme in September and in February.
Duration
Depending on your educational background, the pre-master’s programme will constitute a course load of max. 60 EC (1 year). The requirements for the pre-master will consist of a package of courses selected from the BA programme in Philosophy. Students who have completed relevant philosophy courses during their bachelor's may be exempted from a part of the pre-master's programme by the Board of Admissions.
The prescribed pre-master's programme must be completed within the nominal duration plus one semester (in case of a pre-master’s programme of 30 ECTS-credits or less) or within the nominal duration plus one study year (in case of a pre-master’s programme of more than 30 ECTS-credits).
Holders of an academic bachelor's degree from a research university or an equivalent diploma with no more than 15 credits of deficiencies, may be admitted to the MA programme woth a deficiency. This means that you will need to complete the deficient pre-master's courses during your enrolment in the MA Philosophy. You cannot graduate without successfully having completed the required pre-master's courses.
Tuition fee
Information on the tuition fee for a pre-master's is available on the student website.