Philosophy

Before I started this master, I completed a BA Economics and a BA Philosophy of a Specific Discipline, both at the UG. It was during this second BA that I came to enjoy Philosophy so much that I could imagine to pursue an academic career. The reason I enrolled for the Research Master is to find out whether such a career could be something for me. I will share some of my thoughts about the Master programme.

The Research Master is build up around four compulsory Core Issues courses and a set of elective courses that you can choose from depending upon your own research interests. The Core Issues courses represent the current research projects of faculty members, but you can choose your electives according to your own interests. Our faculty has three departments, History of Philosophy, Theoretical Philosophy, and Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy. As my research interests fall under the latter department, I chose my electives within this department. However, you do not have to pick courses that fall within your specific department of specialization, you can also combine courses from the History department with let’s say the Theoretical department.

Get familiar with research activities that go on at a university

Besides the coursework, the programme offers you the opportunity to participate in academic events such as seminars in which faculty members discuss their own research. There are also a variety of reading groups that you can participate in. I experienced all of this as a good way to get familiar with the research activities that go on at a university. Part of the programme is to spend a semester abroad (this is mandatory for Dutch students).

Wouter started the Research Master in Philosophy in September 2018. He is currently a Philosophy PhD student in Groningen.

While pursuing my Bachelor of Science in India, I noticed that when I did experiments I liked it better to explain what I did and why, than the practice itself. That's when I decided to switch to philosophy and pursued a Master's in Birmingham.
Before deciding to come here, I participated in the Philosophy Winter School last year. I would advise everyone to do this as it is a good introduction to the Faculty.

This Research Master not only provides you with amazing reflexive and writing skills, but also allows you to get in touch with other philosophers in and outside of the Groningen department.

After my Bachelor’s programme I wanted to continue to study medieval and early modern philosophers. This is why I decided to do this 2-year, English-taught Research Master programme, a selective programme for those who want to pursue an academic career. As a part of this programme I spent a term abroad at the University of Toronto, and I got to present three of my papers at conferences in Berlin, Toronto and Nijmegen. This programme stimulated me to become an active member of the department and eventually even opened the door for me becoming a PhD student.

Since the male-female ratio in academia is still out of balance, I would hope to see more young female philosophers to join this great programme and to become part of the department, which, I think, forms a challenging and at the same time friendly community.

Before coming in Groningen I worked as a teacher of philosophy and Greek literature in secondary education in Greece. Continuing my studies in Philosophy was something that I wanted to do, since I finished my studies at the Philosophy department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. I wanted to expand my horizons and get in contact with new ways of thinking and working. Hence, I decided to follow a programme abroad. What could be better than the University of Groningen?

The reason for choosing this specific faculty was that it is considered one of the best faculties in Europe and the best in the Netherlands.

Very high level and competitive programme

I have to admit that the Faculty of Philosophy and the programme were more than I had expected. First of all, the programme is a very high level and competitive one, with a variety of subjects from almost all areas of philosophy. Secondly, it consists in high skilled, experienced, and specialized personnel. The very fact that it hosts a large group of PhD students and post-docs is a strong indication that it is a very active faculty in terms of research with a strong presence in the philosophical domain. What is more, the fact that there are regular colloquia and seminars organized, gives everyone the opportunity to present their research and discuss it with their colleagues. I think that this is very important for the prosperity and the progress of everyone individually and of the Faculty in total. I shouldn't omit to mention the extra-curricular activities, such as reading groups, which are regularly organised just for the sheer interest and engagement with a topic.

Family atmosphere

As for the atmosphere among the students and the teachers, I found it more relaxed and friendly than I was used to. The very fact that it is an independent Faculty gives it the leverage of a family atmosphere. The teachers are easily accessible and cooperative, while there is a good communication among the fellow students. What makes the whole atmosphere more comfortable and pleasant is the Kantine in which everyone gathers to have their lunch, relax and talk.

Language and cultural differences

Nevertheless, there are quite a few difficulties that one faces by their arrival in Groningen. Even though both the University and the Faculty give a warm welcoming, and there is a general willingness to help on several levels, there are some objective difficulties that one has to face. Language and cultural differences are the most important ones. It is true that it takes time to adjust to the cultural differences and get used to speaking and talking in a foreign language. However, it is a minor obstacle that can be easily surpassed.

Bureaucratic issues: do some research beforehand

The search for accommodation and the bureaucratic issues that one has to deal with before and during staying in Groningen, are quite easily resolved. However, one must take care of them quite some time before arrival. Especially accommodation must be catered for before arrival due to the fact that the demand for housing is bigger than the offer. An easy and safe solution is staying during the first period in one of the student houses which are administered by the Housing Office. As for the bureaucratic issues (enrolment at the municipality hall, health insurance, bank account etc.), it is advisable to do some research beforehand as to what is required. I shouldn't fail to mention that I had quite some help from the Faculty and some fellow students.

Groningen: great chances for new experiences

Groningen is mainly characterized by its student life, since the RUG is a big university. Hence, it is the perfect place for someone to meet new people from different countries and cultural backgrounds from all over the world. Especially for someone easy-going, it is not difficult to make new friends and socialize a lot. Combined with the fact that Groningen is a city with a variety of options concerning entertainment and cultural events, I think that it offers great chances for new experiences. Even though it is considered a remote area within the Netherlands, it is a lively city with many facilities for almost every taste and an easy access to several places around Central and Northern Europe.

I am following the Research Master programme with a specialization in ancient metaphysics and epistemology (Plato and Aristotle). After the end of my studies at the Faculty of Philosophy I intend to continue research in my area of interest.

After having finished my Bachelor Degree at the Université de Toulouse Le Mirail in France, I felt the deep need to explore new horizons, be they cultural or philosophical. Groningen was a great place for me to do so. I easily found a room in a student house through the Housing Office. Living in such a place has not only allowed me to quickly become fluent in English, but also to make great Dutch and international friends. Although I was away from my family, I immediately felt at home.

I should stress, however, that a stay abroad has to be prepared months in advance! Even though I had started making plans in January (for September), I still turned out to be late with some administrative issues in the end.

Genuine interest

When I arrived at the Faculty, the staff welcomed me with open arms. I was also glad to see the freedom of thought and the genuine interest that was given to my work. The Faculty of Philosophy in Groningen is supported by a team of dedicated professionals, as they manage to make time and to properly advise each student.

Variety of lectures

I would even say that the Faculty of Philosophy stands out from other faculties because of its internal dynamics and variety of lectures and seminars. I remember specifically, that in June 2011, I went to a conference given by Peter Singer. It was quite an epiphany for me. I read The Life You Can Save and Animal Liberation in the week that followed, and that is when I realized how Practical Ethics are of central importance to me.