Research Master'sMetaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology

You will study ancient fundamental questions about ’existence’, the relationship between language and truth, and the essence of reality and explore philosophical questions about the nature of human beings from the perspective of continental philosophy.

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Something for you?

Specialise in continental approaches to Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology.
We guarantee that abstract philosophical theory is constantly made tangible with concrete every-day examples and experiences.
The programme offers a lively, international environment.
This Research master’s specialisation is part of a broader Research Master’s programme.
All research master students are assisted by a personal supervisor.
60 EC's of the courses are tailored to academic research.
You are willing to study French and/or German philosophers in their original language
This programme scores above average compared to the national average (Source: Keuzegids Masters 2024)

Why in Nijmegen?

Admission requirements

Do you want to know if you can be admitted? Read more about the admission requirements of this programme.

Admission & Application

Factsheet

Main language: English
Study duration: 2 years (120 EC)
Start: February, September
Number of students: 14
Programme format: Full time
Degree: Master of Arts, specialisation of Research Master's in Philosophy
Faculty: Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies
CROHO code: 60128
Accreditation: NVAO

What will you learn

The specialisation in Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology looks at the age-old fundamental questions regarding being, truth and reality from a contemporary viewpoint with the help of modern philosophers. You’ll study the philosophical significance of questions related to approaches in phenomenological, psychoanalysis and gender and feminist theory. You’ll gain insight into how to ask questions that are significant for the contemporary age and examine them in the light of major thinkers from the continental philosophical tradition. Of course, you’ll also examine these questions in the light of major thinkers from the hermeneutic tradition and from the continental tradition who were critical of these hermeneutic developments in philosophy. But again, with a contemporary aim: What new and original insights can these philosophers of the past give us today?

Study Programme

Future career opportunities

This programme is designed for students who wish to acquire the skills needed for a career in research, either in academia or elsewhere. The training you receive in conducting academic philosophical research will give you a head start in a search for a PhD position, but your analytical, conceptual and investigative skills also open up a wider range of career opportunities.

In recent years around 40% of graduates have chosen to continue in academia by pursuing a PhD position (with a success rate of nearly 90%). Many others have chosen to apply their skills elsewhere, in government, journalism, teaching, think tanks, NGOs, IT, consultancy and as strategists, researchers, or policy makers in a host of other fields.

Your network of Research Master’s alumni and the reputation of the philosophy departments at Radboud University will definitely serve you well, whichever career path you choose.

Here, you can read more about the experiences of former student Sümer Şen.

Career prospects

Research

All of the research related to this specialisation is embedded in the Center for Contemporary Philosophy (CCEP). It’s the Netherlands’ main centre for teaching and research in 20th and 21st century European philosophy. The centre continues Radboud University’s strong tradition in continental philosophy.

Thesis subjects in Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology

Although many research Master’s students choose a topic related to the research activities of the Centre, this is not mandatory. Recent Master’s theses (publishable articles) were about the following themes:

Nietzsche and Heidegger on the Art of Metaphor
The Ontology of Alain Badiou
Phenomenology and Objectivity
The role of Pseudonyms in Kierkegaard’s Oeuvre
Hegel and the Problem of Unity in Plurality of Philosophies
Embedded and embodied cognition
Bio-semiotics
Animal-human relationship
Post-human life
Psychoanalysis in political perspective
Psychoanalysis and structuralism
Psychoanalysis and religion
Gender theory, homosexuality/heterosexuality
Feminist theory in social and political context

Questions about this programme?

Do you have a question about this programme? We're happy to help. Please contact us, ask a student or check out our information activities.

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Tuitions & grants

If you are going to follow this Master's programme, you will pay an annual tuition fee. There are different tuition rates. The amount depends on your personal situation.