The Research Master of Philosophy programme is primarily research-oriented and functions as a first step towards the doctoral programme. It focuses firmly on the development of high-level independent research. The programme allows you to concentrate on a particular field of study, supplemented by courses, seminars, and the oral defense of a research-based thesis.

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. 

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

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.
     

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.