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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.
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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Philosophy
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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.
Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
There are no degrees granting direct access to the programme. Candidates can only register after successful completion of the admissions procedure.
After admissions procedure
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
Master of Philosophy
Applicants must have completed their degree with a result of at least 77%.
Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community:
Diploma requirements
Students with excellent results in a Master (of Arts) in Philosophy from a recognised higher education institution may be admitted by the Board of Admissions upon consideration of their complete application file.
An exemption from the proof of English proficiency by means of the above mentioned tests is only granted to applicants who hold a degree obtained in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the USA. The degree and transcripts are sufficient, provided they can prove that the entire study was completed in English. Degrees obtained in an online format cannot serve as a basis for an exemption.
01 Jun 2026
2 Years
Sep
International
9,493 EUR
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Research Master of Philosophy
KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
# 19QS Subject Rankings
24 monthsProgramme duration
9,493 EURTuition Fee/year
01 Jun, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Philosophy
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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:
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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Philosophy
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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:
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.
Brochures
Admission Requirements
Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
There are no degrees granting direct access to the programme. Candidates can only register after successful completion of the admissions procedure.
After admissions procedure
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
Applicants must have completed their degree with a result of at least 77%.
Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community:
Diploma requirements
Students with excellent results in a Master (of Arts) in Philosophy from a recognised higher education institution may be admitted by the Board of Admissions upon consideration of their complete application file.
An exemption from the proof of English proficiency by means of the above mentioned tests is only granted to applicants who hold a degree obtained in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the USA. The degree and transcripts are sufficient, provided they can prove that the entire study was completed in English. Degrees obtained in an online format cannot serve as a basis for an exemption.
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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