Curriculum and courses

Duration: 3 years (180 EC), full-time
Language of instruction: English
Contact hours per week: 12
Independent study hours per week: approx. 28

The Philosophy, Politics and Society Bachelor's programme takes three years to complete and prepares you for the PPS Master, a two-year Research Master in Philosophy, or a one-year Master’s programme in Philosophy or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences.

First year

Your first year consists of four extensive introductory courses on the rich history of Western philosophy; four systematic courses on political philosophy, ethics, metaphysics & philosophical anthropology, and the philosophy of science; plus four courses that teach you academic methods and skills.

Have a look at the first year of PPS.

Second year

Your second year is organized around modules that consist of three courses each. Modules focus on specific themes, for example global justice, human rights and digital technology. From a wide selection of modules, you select which modules best suit your interests.

Have a look at the second year of PPS.

Third year

Your third year is organized around modules that consist of three courses each. Modules focus on specific themes, for example religious conflicts, public life and ecology. From a wide selection of modules, you select which modules best suit your interests.

Have a look at the third year of PPS.

Academic freedom

You can opt to replace one or two modules with courses from other faculties. This includes the option to do part of your studies at other universities in the Netherlands or even in other countries.

For example, are you mainly interested in the philosophy of nature and contemporary ecological challenges? Then follow the PPS 'Ecology and Sustainability' module, but replace one or two other modules with courses on ecosystems or sustainable development at other faculties.

Are you fascinated by the philosophy of law and its role in debates on global justice? Follow the PPS 'Global Justice and Human Rights' module, and see if it can be supplemented with courses from our Faculty of Law.

Are you intrigued by how science and technology might change the world? Then select modules about those subjects, and maybe spend a semester abroad at a university that offers courses on similar themes.