UNIVERSITY FOR HUMANISTICS (UH) · NETHERLANDS
Graduate School PhD Programme
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€1k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 4-5 yearsTypical contract duration for employed PhD candidates
- 10 ECTSMinimum credits required in the first year (9 compulsory, 1 elective)
- 12 ECTSMinimum credits required in GS2+ phase
- €500Programme fee per year (2026-2027)
- Normative dimensionFocus of research
- Artistic Research optionSpecialised trajectory
The Graduate School at the University for Humanistics (UH) offers a PhD programme for researchers and professionals focused on societal issues with a normative dimension, aiming to contribute to a more humane society. The programme is also open to those pursuing a PhD in artistic research. You can join as an employed PhD candidate (if a funded position is available) or as an external PhD candidate while continuing your professional work. The first year of the programme is dedicated to developing a strong research proposal and enhancing academic skills, including academic writing and research methods. You will engage with interdisciplinary fields like Humanistic Studies and the Ethics of Care, and become part of a supportive research community with regular meetings with your supervisor. Upon successful assessment, you can proceed to the subsequent years. In the following years, you will create a personalized education plan with your supervisor, focusing on research methodology, academic skills, writing a thesis, and publishing in international journals. Participation in the Graduate School programme and achieving specific ECTS credits are compulsory for completing the PhD. The programme starts annually in the last week of August.
Curriculum
The PhD programme is structured over several years, with a core focus on research development, academic skills, and community integration. The first year is crucial for proposal development, followed by tailored research and writing in subsequent years.
- Year 1
- Academic Development
- Elective Course
- Interdisciplinary Foundations (Humanistic Studies, Ethics of Care)
- Subsequent Years (GS2+)
- Elective Courses in Research Methodology
- Academic Skills Development
- Thesis Writing
- Publishing in Academic Journals
Careers
The PhD programme aims to equip you with advanced research and academic writing skills, preparing you for careers in academia or roles requiring deep analytical and normative expertise. You are encouraged to present work at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Academic Researcher
- University Lecturer
- Policy Advisor
- Consultant in normative fields
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the PhD programme?
- Applicants need a Master's or Drs. degree from a Humanities or Social Sciences background, along with 2-5 years of relevant research and writing experience. An English proficiency assessment is also required, and you must be available to dedicate at least 16 hours per week to research.
- When can I apply for the PhD programme?
- Applications are accepted annually between December 15th and April 6th. The programme itself starts in the last week of August each year.
- How much is the tuition fee for the PhD programme?
- The tuition fee for both home and international students is €500 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year. Note that living costs, books, external courses, and conferences are additional and vary.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing this PhD?
- Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, such as Academic Researcher or University Lecturer. Other roles include Policy Advisor or Consultant in normative fields, leveraging deep analytical and normative expertise.
- What is the duration of the PhD programme?
- The typical contract duration for employed PhD candidates is 4-5 years. The first year focuses on proposal development and academic skills, with subsequent years dedicated to research, thesis writing, and publishing.
Entry requirements
Master's or Drs. degreeRequired from a Humanities or Social Sciences background.
Research and writing experienceExpected to have 2-5 years of relevant experience.
AvailabilityMust be able to dedicate at least two full days (16 hours) per week to PhD research.
English Proficiency AssessmentDetails provided upon application.
Special admission requirements apply to the PhD trajectory in artistic research. Some employed PhD positions are funded through external bodies like NWO, ZonMw, or the EU.
Fees
Tuition (international)€500 per year
Tuition (home)€500 per year
LivingVaries based on individual trajectory (e.g., books, external courses, conferences).
The programme fee is for the 2026-2027 academic year. Contact Yamit Gutman (y.gutman@uvh.nl) for tuition fee inquiries.
How to apply
1. Check Research AreasReview the available research topics and departments to find alignment with your interests.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather necessary documents, including your Master's or Drs. degree certificates and evidence of research experience.
3. Submit ApplicationApply online via the Graduate School application portal within the specified application period.
4. Assessment ProcedureUndergo an assessment procedure, which includes a short English proficiency test.
5. Receive Admission OfferIf successful, you will be admitted to the first year of the training and supervision programme.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the PhD programme?
+
Applicants need a Master's or Drs. degree from a Humanities or Social Sciences background, along with 2-5 years of relevant research and writing experience. An English proficiency assessment is also required, and you must be available to dedicate at least 16 hours per week to research.
When can I apply for the PhD programme?
+
Applications are accepted annually between December 15th and April 6th. The programme itself starts in the last week of August each year.
How much is the tuition fee for the PhD programme?
+
The tuition fee for both home and international students is €500 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year. Note that living costs, books, external courses, and conferences are additional and vary.
What career paths can I pursue after completing this PhD?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, such as Academic Researcher or University Lecturer. Other roles include Policy Advisor or Consultant in normative fields, leveraging deep analytical and normative expertise.
What is the duration of the PhD programme?
+
The typical contract duration for employed PhD candidates is 4-5 years. The first year focuses on proposal development and academic skills, with subsequent years dedicated to research, thesis writing, and publishing.