MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Radboud University, Neth...
MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy
Nijmegen
INTAKE: Feb & Sept
Program Overview
The MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary program that combines theoretical learning with practical applications. Students are introduced to the major ethical theories, from classical to contemporary approaches, and examine how these theories inform political philosophy, governance, and social justice. The program delves into fundamental questions surrounding democracy, rights, global justice, political authority, and the moral obligations individuals and societies have to one another. It also emphasizes developing critical thinking, argumentative writing, and analytical skills, which are essential in addressing complex ethical and political challenges. Students have the opportunity to tailor their studies through elective courses, ensuring they can focus on areas of personal interest such as environmental ethics, global inequalities, or political ideologies.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy is structured to provide a thorough grounding in both ethical theory and political philosophy. Core courses explore fundamental concepts in moral philosophy, political theory, and political ethics, while electives allow students to specialize in topics such as global justice, political responsibility, bioethics, or philosophy of law. The program also includes a significant research component, where students write a master’s thesis on a topic of their choice, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to academic discourse. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages students to integrate ideas from philosophy, political science, sociology, and economics, preparing them for a broad range of career paths.
Research Focus: The MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy emphasizes a research-driven approach to learning, with a focus on addressing contemporary ethical and political issues. Students engage in in-depth research on topics such as distributive justice, human rights, the ethics of war, environmental policy, and the relationship between ethics and democracy. The program encourages students to critically examine philosophical traditions and engage with contemporary debates in both political philosophy and moral theory. Students work closely with faculty members, who are experts in their fields, to develop their research projects and contribute to ongoing academic discussions. This research-oriented approach prepares students for roles in academia, policy-making, and various professional environments where critical analysis is key.
Industry Engagement: While the MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy is primarily an academic program, Radboud University fosters industry engagement through partnerships with think tanks, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international bodies. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and collaborate on projects that apply philosophical reasoning to real-world political and ethical challenges. These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience and make connections in fields such as policy analysis, human rights advocacy, and social justice movements. Radboud University also hosts seminars and workshops with policymakers, philosophers, and activists, offering students a platform to engage with professionals in the field.
Global Perspective: The MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy provides a global perspective by addressing ethical and political issues on an international scale. The program encourages students to consider the moral implications of global issues such as climate change, poverty, migration, and international relations. Through case studies, discussions, and research projects, students are exposed to diverse political systems, philosophical traditions, and ethical frameworks from around the world. The program also benefits from Radboud University’s international network of researchers and academic partners, facilitating cross-cultural dialogue and enabling students to engage with global debates in ethics and political philosophy.
Location
Nijmegen
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
€ 14661
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €75
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 100 or higher.
Radboud University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students pursuing their studies in the Netherlands. These scholarships are designed to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad and are awarded based on various criteria, including academic excellence, program type, and country of origin. Radboud University’s scholarships aim to attract highly motivated and talented students from around the world, contributing to the university’s diverse and global student community.
Radboud University Scholarship Programme: The Radboud University Scholarship Programme is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to international students. This scholarship is intended for talented non-EU/EEA students who wish to pursue a Master's degree at Radboud University. It offers a partial or full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend to help cover living costs. The scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on academic merit, with candidates needing to demonstrate exceptional academic achievements in their previous studies.
Holland Scholarship: The Holland Scholarship is a national scholarship program designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in collaboration with Radboud University, this scholarship provides financial assistance to students who wish to study a Bachelor's or Master's program at a Dutch university. The scholarship is a one-time payment intended to help cover part of the tuition fees for the first year of study. To be eligible, students must meet specific academic requirements and have been admitted to an eligible program at Radboud University.
Erasmus+ Programme: Radboud University participates in the Erasmus+ Program, which offers scholarships for international students to study in Europe. Through Erasmus+, students can receive financial support for study abroad exchanges, internships, and research projects. This program is available to students from participating universities around the world, providing an opportunity for international students to gain experience at Radboud University while being funded through this EU initiative.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Several faculties at Radboud University offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These scholarships are often based on academic excellence, research potential, and the student's country of origin.
External Scholarships: In addition to scholarships provided by Radboud University, international students may also be eligible for external funding opportunities from other organizations, government agencies, or foundations. These scholarships may be available for students based on various factors, such as nationality, field of study, or financial need. Students are encouraged to explore external scholarship options through Dutch embassies, private organizations, and global scholarship portals.
Graduates of the MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy from Radboud University possess a wide range of skills applicable in numerous professional fields, particularly those that require critical thinking, ethical analysis, and an understanding of political systems. The program equips students to tackle complex moral dilemmas and navigate political discourse, making them valuable assets in a variety of careers.
Academic Careers: Many graduates choose to continue their studies and pursue a PhD in political philosophy, ethics, or related fields. As PhD students, they often become university lecturers or researchers, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in moral and political philosophy. Academic careers also include publishing articles, writing books, and teaching at various educational levels.
Policy Analyst: With a strong grounding in political theory and ethics, graduates are well-suited for roles in government, think tanks, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as policy analysts. In this role, they analyze public policies, assess their ethical implications, and provide recommendations based on philosophical insights. This includes evaluating issues like social justice, international relations, and human rights.
Ethics Consultant: As ethical considerations become increasingly important across industries, graduates can work as ethics consultants in both the public and private sectors. They might advise businesses, governmental agencies, or nonprofit organizations on the ethical dimensions of their operations, ensuring they make decisions that align with moral principles and social responsibility.
Human Rights Advocate: Given their expertise in moral and political philosophy, graduates can work for human rights organizations, advocating for the protection and promotion of rights globally. They might contribute to initiatives aimed at combating inequality, discrimination, and injustice, working with international bodies or local advocacy groups.
Political Adviser: Graduates with a keen interest in the political field may work as political advisers or consultants, providing strategic advice to politicians, political parties, or campaigns. Their ability to analyze political ideologies and navigate ethical challenges in the political sphere makes them valuable in shaping policy decisions and political strategies.
NGO and International Development Roles: Many graduates pursue careers with NGOs focused on development, humanitarian work, or social justice. They contribute by developing strategies and policies that address global challenges like poverty, environmental justice, and international conflict, leveraging their philosophical expertise to inform ethical decision-making and policy development.
Journalism and Media: Graduates with strong communication skills can enter the field of journalism, specializing in political reporting, ethical issues, or social justice topics. As journalists or media analysts, they write articles, create documentaries, or provide commentary on ethical dilemmas and political debates, helping to shape public discourse.
Public Sector Roles: Graduates often find positions in various government sectors, including public administration, public policy, or civil service. They can work as advisers or administrators, providing insight into the ethical implications of laws, regulations, and government programs. Their understanding of political systems and ethical frameworks enables them to contribute to the development of fair and just policies.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: In the corporate world, CSR specialists are responsible for ensuring that businesses adhere to ethical standards in their operations. Graduates of the MA in Ethics and Political Philosophy can work as CSR consultants, guiding organizations to integrate ethical considerations into their business strategies and practices, addressing issues such as environmental impact and social justice.
Philosophical Counseling: Graduates may choose to become philosophical counselors, helping individuals navigate complex personal or ethical dilemmas. This involves offering guidance on life’s big questions, such as personal values, relationships, or existential concerns. Philosophical counseling is an alternative to traditional therapy, focusing on dialogue and critical thinking.
International Relations and Diplomacy: Graduates with an interest in international politics and ethics may enter the field of diplomacy, working for international organizations, embassies, or diplomatic missions. They engage in negotiations, mediation, and policy development on global issues, using their expertise in ethics to resolve conflicts and promote peace.
Legal Professions: While this program is not a law degree, many graduates with an interest in law pursue careers in the legal sector, particularly in fields like human rights law, international law, or political law. They may work as legal advisers, researchers, or policy advocates, providing ethical and philosophical insights into legal matters.
