Do you wish to gain an interdisciplinary perspective to better understand how to address major societal changes? Then combine this PPE perspective with research in political philosophy.
Climate change, populism, or deepening inequality: our world today faces many complex challenges that cannot be tackled by one discipline alone. We need an approach that cuts across boundaries. At the University of Groningen (UG), the selective one-year Master’s in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) will equip you with the central theoretical and methodological tools from PPE to understand complex problems and assess proposals to address them. For example, you will delve into theories of democracy, rational choice, evidence-based policy, social justice, inequality and economic growth, and apply theoretical insights to concrete policy problems.
At the Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona (UPF), you will work with international experts in political philosophy and take courses that lay a solid foundation in political philosophy as well as courses to sharpen your own research specialization. At the end of the double-degree programme, you will write a thesis jointly supervised by researchers from both UPF and the UG. It is possible to have your first year in Groningen and your second year in Barcelona or the other way around. More information can be found in the Study Guide 2024-2025 on page 73 and on page 81.
The next Philosophy Master's Day will be held in March 2025. The Philosophy Master's Day is offered as a hybrid event and is part of the University of Groningen Master's Week.
The PPE programme has been rated exceptionally high by our students in the national student satisfaction survey (NSE): in one year, it received the highest overall rating out of all Master programmes in the Netherlands.
Rather than studying the three disciplines separately, our programme is unique in teaching PPE as a genuinely integrated discipline and in applying theories and methods to policy issues. In both the University of Groningen (UG) and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona (UPF), core courses lay a solid foundation in PPE and Political Philosophy while electives allow you to sharpen your own area of expertise.
The double-degree master programme is unique in providing students both with a solid education in PPE whilst also giving them the opportunity to specialize in Political Philosophy research.
The Faculty of Philosophy is among the strongest faculties for Philosophy research in Continental Europe and ranked as the best place to study philosophy in the Netherlands. UPF Barcelona boasts an outstanding cluster of internationally prominent researchers in Political Philosophy. Throughout, small class sizes and personal mentoring provide a personalised approach to help students flourish.
https://www.upf.edu/web/masters/ciencies-politiques-i-socialsThe first year consists of nine modules of 5 ECTS each. Three of these nine modules constitute the academic core of the programme: Methods of PPE, Theories of PPE, and History of PPE. In two PPE seminars, knowledge from Methods and Theories is applied to policy issues. Four PPE electives complete the first year the UG.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Elective 1 (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| History of PPE (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| Theories of PPE (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| Elective 2 (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| Methods of PPE (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| PPE Seminar 1 (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| Elective 3 (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| Elective 4 (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| PPE Seminar (5 EC) (5 EC) | ||||
| Master Thesis PPE (15 EC) (15 EC) | ||||
The second year has three modules of courses. The first module Theory and Methodology lays a rigorous foundation in Political Philosophy. In the second module, students choose three optional courses in Political Theory and Philosophy. In the third module, they choose optional courses in Philosophy and the Social Sciences. In the fourth module, students write their Master's thesis in joint supervision between both University Pompeu Fabra (UPF) Barcelona and the University of Groningen.
Note: students can also study the other way around and study their first year in Barcelona and their second year in Groningen. Please note that at UPF Barcelona the academic year is divided into three terms: the first term runs from September to December, the second term from January to March and the third term from April to June. Reach out to the master's study advisor (fil-study-advisor@rug.nl) to find out how your course schedule will differ to the usual two-semester academic year.
12 hours of class and self-study per week on average
| Programme options |
|---|
| Focus Area Sustainable Society (specialization) The MSc in PPE offers students the possibility of specialization in the so-called “Focus Area Sustainable Society".. PPE students receive an annotation “Focus Area Sustainable Society” on their diploma supplement, if they have met the following requirements:
|
Study abroad is mandatory for all students.
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Philosophy of a specific discipline | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| International Relations and International Organization | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Philosophy | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Philosophy of a specific discipline | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Philosophy, Politics and Economics | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Political Science | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Economics | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| International Relations and International Organization | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Sociology | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Selection procedure |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
The applicant has a Bachelor's degree in (1) PPE, or (2) Philosophy or Philosophy of a Specific Discipline, or (3) Economics, or (4) Political Science, or (5) another relevant field. Admission is potentially possible with a bachelor in a different field, as long as pre-knowledge and motivation suffices. |
| grade average |
Transcript of records (min. grade average 7.5) |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
Please mention your relevant education and work experience. |
| assessment interview |
After reviewing all applications, the Board of Admissions will admit some students directly and reject some students directly. Other students will be invited for an interview. In an interview, the Board of Admissions will address issues such as motivation, ambition, skills and general fit with the DDM programme. Once admitted, students will be given, where necessary, a reading list on issues they have not encountered in their Bachelor's. They will then follow up with their mentor on these issues once the programme starts. |
| language test |
To confirm sufficient language proficiency, please submit your results on one of the following language tests: IELTS: at least 7.0 overall score with no band less than 6.5 TOEFL: at least 100/120 overall score, with section scores being at least 22 for both reading and listening, 26 for speaking, and 24 for writing This requirement does not apply if: you are a native speaker and have completed your secondary education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia you have completed your bachelor education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia you may also be granted an exemption from the language test if a substantial part of your previous degree is in English If the latter applies to you, please include a short motivated request for an exemption with your application. |
| (motivation-) letter |
If you want to apply for the DDM mention it in your motivation letter. |
Go to studielink.nl and apply for the Master Philosophy, Politics and Economy.
Students applying on the basis of a Dutch bachelor diploma, please submit your application (including all required documents) to: ppe rug.nl
Please find the admissions procedure factsheet for PPE. After submitting your application, visit Aanmelding en inschrijving voor Nederlandse studenten and follow the application instructions.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Students can either start their first year at the UG or at UPF Barcelona. The here mentioned start date applies to the first year at UG. For information on the start date at UPF Barcelona see https://www.upf.edu/web/masters/ciencies-politiques-i-socials
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
The applicant has a Bachelor's degree in (1) PPE, or (2) Philosophy or Philosophy of a Specific Discipline, or (3) Economics, or (4) Political Science, or (5) another relevant field. |
| grade average |
Transcript of records (min. grade average 7.5) |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
Please mention your relevant education and work experience. |
| assessment interview |
After reviewing all applications, the Board of Admissions will admit some students directly and reject some students directly. Other students will be invited for an interview. In an interview, the Board of Admissions will address issues such as motivation, ambition, skills and general fit with the PPE programme. Once admitted, students will be given, where necessary, a reading list on issues they have not encountered in their Bachelor's. They will then follow up with their mentor on these issues once the programme starts. |
| language test |
To confirm sufficient language proficiency, please submit your results on one of the following language tests: IELTS: at least 7.0 overall score with no band less than 6.5 TOEFL: at least 100/120 overall score, with section scores being at least 22 for both reading and listening, 26 for speaking, and 24 for writing This requirement does not apply if: you are a native speaker and have completed your secondary education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia you have completed your bachelor education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia you may also be granted an exemption from the language test requirement if a substantial part of your previous degree programme is in English. If this applies to you, please include a short motivated request for an exemption with your application. |
| (motivation-) letter |
If you want to apply for the DDM mention it in your motivation letter. |
| other admission requirements |
Email ppe rug.nl if you require further information or if you have any questions about the application and admission procedure. |
Go to studielink.nl and apply for the Master Philosophy, Politics and Economy
Non-Dutch diploma holders need to complete and submit the Admissions Checklist Master's Degree with their application.
We advise non-EU students to apply early as acquiring visa and other documents is often time consuming.
Please note that application deadlines and entry requirements are based on your diploma qualification and not on your nationality.
Contact: ppe rug.nl
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Students can either start their first year at the UG or at UPF Barcelona. The here mentioned start date applies to the first year at UG. For information on the start date at UPF Barcelona see https://www.upf.edu/web/masters/ciencies-politiques-i-socials
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 18700 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 19200 | full-time |
The here mentioned tuition fees apply to the year at UG. For information about the tuition fees at UPF Barcelona see https://www.upf.edu/web/masters/ciencies-politiques-i-socials
Practical information for:
The programme prepares for careers in public policy, NGOs, political analysis, private business and more. With its unique combination of PPE and Political Philosophy research, the programme is especially suited for students who wish to conduct Political Philosophy research in the PPE tradition, including students who wish to apply for a PhD afterwards.
With its combination of a generalist PPE foundation, its opportunities for specialisation, and the deep knowledge in Political Philosophy, our Double Degree Master prepares you for a broad range of careers.
The programme provides you with the knowledge, insight, and skills to work in organizations as diverse as national or international public administrations, governmental and nonâgovernmental organizations, private businesses and banks, journalism, think tanks and research institutions. Moreover, with its unique combination of PPE teaching and Political Philosophy research, the programme is especially suited for students who wish to conduct Political Philosophy research in the PPE tradition, including students who wish to apply for a PhD afterwards.
Our alumni from the regular PPE Master find jobs in the following fields and for the following employers:
Fields: (Corporate Social Responsibility) consultancy; strategy consultancy, data science, funding, public affairs.
Employers: Government departments, NGOs, embassies, university networks, sustainable investment companies, intergovernmental organizations.
Besides the PPE master's, the UG is a hub for research at the interface of philosophy, politics and economics. The Centre for PPE stimulates and facilitates such research by bringing together academics on research areas such as moral philosophy, political theory, philosophy of economics, monetary and financial economics, decision theory, financial ethics, organizational behaviour, and international relations. For news & events, visit www.rug.nl/filosofie/organization/ppe/
UPF Barcelona in turn boasts a strong specialisation in political philosophy and social science. Faculty members who teach and supervise in the MA are internationally recognised experts in political philosophy. They are involved in several research networks and activities in Barcelona, see examples: upf.edu/web/filosofiapolitica/activitats-de-recerca-i-enllacos-recomanats
The programme provides study support and the study advisor monitors your study progress. If you have any questions you can contact the study advisor Janine Weeting (fil-study-advisor rug.nl). You can contact the study advisor in case of personal problems that affect your study performance.
Students can make an appointment via janineweeting.youcanbook.me
