Pursue your PhD in Philosophy at Leiden University, one of Europe’s leading research universities. The Institute for Philosophy, part of the Faculty of Humanities, offers a stimulating international environment for doctoral researchers. As part of the Graduate School of Humanities, we offer a stimulating environment in which doctoral researchers engage with philosophical questions across a wide range of historical periods, traditions and methods.

Philosophy PhD Programme and Research Centres

All five of the Reseach Centres of the Institute for Philosophy are active in the PhD programme. Each centre offers a platform for in-depth scholarly exchange, collaborative projects and regular seminars. PhD candidates are encouraged to participate actively in the intellectual life of the Institute and the wider university, including teaching opportunities, conferences, and interdisciplinary initiatives.

• Centre for Intercultural Philosophy

• Centre for Political Philosophy

• Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Philosophy

• Centre for Continental Philosophy

• Centre for Theoretical Philosophy

PhD Council and representation

The Institute has an active PhD Council, composed of elected representatives who advise the Academic Director, organise events for doctoral researchers, and contribute to policy discussions affecting the PhD community.

Council role

The PhD Council is the body elected from the Institute for Philosophy's PhD student community in order to represent the interests of PhD candidates at the Institute. The Council keeps itself informed of the PhD candidates' concerns and any relevant matters within the institute, Leiden University and the academic world in general. The PhD Council advises the Academic Director on all matters related to PhD teaching and supervision, both at the Institute’s request and on its own initiative.

Members

The Council consists of five members and has a term of office of two years. The elected members of the PhD Council are appointed by the Academic Director of the Institute for Philosophy and then choose a chair and secretary from their midst. 
You can contact the PhD Council at: phdcouncil@phil.leidenuniv.nl

PhD Application and Practical Information

All PhD candidates follow the framework set by the Faculty’s Graduate School, including the submission of a Training and Supervision Plan, and completion of mandatory academic integrity training. From 1 September 2024, new registration requirements apply, including proof of language proficiency and an annual institute registration fee. For more information, please consult the overview of the admission procedure.

The Institute welcomes inquiries from prospective PhD candidates who hold a relevant Master’s degree and wish to conduct research aligned with one of its research centres. Identifying a suitable supervisor is an essential step in the application process. We encourage prospective candidates to align their research proposal with one of the Institute’s five research centres and to contact potential supervisors early in the process.