What is the meaning of existence? This is just one of the philosophical questions you’ll explore at Leuven's renowned Institute of Philosophy. The programme crosses the boundaries of all philosophical disciplines, traditions, and approaches to help you form your own well-rounded view.

About the programme:

The aim of the programme 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 programme is comprehensive and at the same time allows students to begin to develop their own specialisation. 

The master provides a broad range of advanced courses while allowing you to focus on specific areas of philosophy and hence to begin to develop your own specialisation. At the end of the programme, you will be able to make a thorough and critical analysis of philosophical texts, to situate these texts in the history of ideas, and to 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 programme can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.

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:

• You should be able to further develop their knowledge of a range of philosophical themes and disciplines and build on previously acquired skills.

• You should be motivated to specialise in (a particular area of) philosophy and perform solid independent research at an academic level.

Career perspectives:

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.