PPS is a uniquely issue-oriented philosophy programme. The curriculum is organised around themes such as ecological crises, scientific progress, the future of technology, identity politics, or the global political landscape. For each theme, you will examine a combination of key historical philosophical texts, contemporary thinkers, and empirical cases. PPS explores the defining issues of the 21st century from a rich variety of theoretical perspectives, without the narrow economic focus of traditional PPE ('Philosophy, Politics, and Economics') programmes.
Your first year consists of a series of systematic introductory courses. In your second and third years, you tailor your curriculum to those global issues in which you are most interested. PPS gives you the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at a university of your choice. PPS includes our 'Edges of Europe' minor, which combines policy related courses with fieldwork in Cairo, Rome, Athens, St. Petersburg, and Rabat.
The style:
The entire programme is taught in English. We have an international faculty with enthusiastic, highly qualified researchers and teachers from a variety of cultural and national backgrounds. Over half of first year students have joined our programme from abroad, and represent twelve countries and five continents. We have a strong culture of informal exchanges of ideas between students and staff. The faculty houses a large common room and organises many social events throughout the year to support this animated atmosphere.
Overview
Are you fascinated by the political, technological, cultural, and ecological challenges that dominate the headlines? Do you want to study the concepts and ideas behind those challenges? Are you interested in how our thinking about the world helps shape the world? If you want to help build the ideas that determine the course of humanity, then our English-taught Bachelor's programme in Philosophy, Politics and Society might be the perfect fit for you.
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Course details
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entry requirements
If you have completed, or are about to complete, a study programme outside of the Netherlands, then your diploma will be assessed on an individual basis. Depending on your diploma, you may receive requests for further information during the application procedure.
English language requirements:
To study PPS, you need to be proficient in English. To prove that your English is sufficient, you must have one of the following: A Dutch VWO-diploma; An International Baccalaureate Diploma (diploma programme); A European Baccalaureate Diploma, with English Language 2 or English Language 1; an American High School Diploma; GCE A-Levels; a diploma equivalent to, or higher than the Dutch VWO-diploma, where the language of instruction has been English, obtained at an institution in an EU/EEA member state, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United States of America; one of the following diplomas, having passed English in the final examinations: Austrian Reifezeugnis/Reifeprüfungszeugnis, Belgian Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, Danish Studentereksamenbevis, Finnish Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studenterexamenbevis, German Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife, Luxembourgish Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires, Norwegian Vitnemal for Videregaende Skole, Swedish Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan
All other applicants, including applicants who hold a Dutch HBO diploma (diploma of a university of applied sciences), must provide a proof of proficiency in English. To do so, you are required to take one of the following English language tests either in your own country or in the Netherlands: a (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT with a total score of ≥90, all four sub-scores ≥20; (International English Language Testing System) with an overall score of ≥6.5, all four sub-scores ≥6.0; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 proficiency, with mark ≥C.
Please note that a telephone interview may be part of your admission procedure.
Career outcomes
Every global problem that humanity faces demands that we understand how our thoughts, concepts, and theories shape the world and our experience of it. The Bachelor's in Philosophy, Politics and Society gives you the tools and expertise to understand, analyse, and navigate the theoretical frameworks that define and shape society.
A combination of a PPS Bachelor's and a Master's tailored to your interest gives you access to a variety of fields and professions. Your studies will be an excellent preparation for a career in policy analysis, journalism, politics, consultancy, public administration, or government. For your future employers, think of local, national, and international governments; businesses varying from start-ups to multinationals; NGOs and charity organizations; media organizations; education and academic research and others.
Most students apply for a Master's programme after obtaining their Bachelor's degree. Your career options depend on the specialisation you choose.
