Humanities

Research Master’s programmes of Humanities

Master of Arts with an MPhil supplement:• Language and Communication• Philosophy• Theology

Research Master’s programmes 2011/2012

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For more information on the latest rankings and accreditations of Tilburg University, please visit our website: www.tilburguniversity.nl/rankings 03

Why Tilburg University 03

Research Master’s Programmes at a Glance 04

Research Master in Language and Communication 05

Research Master in Philosophy 06

Research Master in Theology 07

Prospective Researchers 08

Career Opportunities 08

Admissions and Application 09

Contact Us 10

Our profile and mission statementTilburg University is an inspiring university offering a stimulating and

challenging environment for students, staff, and alumni.

The university highly values authenticity, academic freedom, and

continuous development. In its top-quality education and research

programmes in the disciplines of the social sciences and the humanities,

the university is committed to addressing quality issues in society at

national and international levels. It does so by training people for

positions of responsibility in society and by contributing to socially

sustainable solutions.

Tilburg University draws on a rich tradition which nourishes reflection

and which also encourages the academic community’s awareness of its

philosophy of life in relation to academic disciplines.

Tilburg University in a nutshell• Located in Tilburg

• Founded in 1927

• Best specialist university in the Netherlands

• With 12,000 students

• International students from 65 countries

• 233 full professors

• 1,500 Master’s degrees each year

• 85 PhD degrees each year

• 1,940 scientific publications each year

School of HumanitiesTilburg University is located in the Southern part of the Netherlands,

one and half hour from Amsterdam. Tilburg is a warm and young city

for ambitious students who would like to combine their studies with a

pleasant social life.

Tilburg School of Humanities is one of the leading academic bodies

within the university and is responsible for a promising teaching

programme. The programmes offered by Tilburg School of Humanities

are accredited by the NVAO (in Dutch: Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatie-

organisatie). NVAO, which is established by an international treaty,

independently ensures the quality of higher education in the Netherlands

and Flanders by assessing and accrediting programmes, and contributes

to enhancing this quality.

We offer• Reliable service

• Responsive environment

• Supportive staff

• Modern facilities

• Excellent research institutions

• Highly qualified (academic) staff...and more!

Why Tilburg University, School of HumanitiesTable of Contents

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Research Master in Language and Communication

Programmes Research Master’s programme in:

• Language and Communication

• Philosophy

• Theology

Language English

Start The end of January or the end of August

(Please note: Language and Communication

starts only at the end of August each year!)

Duration Two years

Course Load 120 ECTS

Title Master of Arts (MA) with an MPhil

supplement

Tuition fee € 1672 per year (EEA)

€ 2550 per year (NON-EEA)

* The tuition fees for 2011-2012 should be confirmed yet!

** A two-year grant is available for EU students!

Your personal contact Mr. Omid Feyli

(International Relations Office)

Websites: www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/lc

www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/philosophy www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/theology

Research Master’s Programmes at a Glance

“From formal models to empirical discover”

Prof. dr. Emiel Krahmer Lecturer at Tilburg University

“One of the good things about philosophy is its diversity. I like to be surrounded by intelligent people who disagree about almost everything among themselves and who question my dearest assumptions”

Dr. Reinhard Muskens Lecturer at Tilburg University

The Research Master’s programme in Language and Communication

is a two-year course of study offered jointly by Tilburg University and

Radboud University Nijmegen. Both universities combine leading-edge

research with excellent education. This programme, with its strong

emphasis on empirical study, is unique in the Netherlands.

The empirical study of the human capacity for communicationThe programme covers the numerous ways in which written and spoken

language is used – for example, to persuade, to inform, and to exchange

ideas. Because communication and the use of language are so tightly

interwoven, we take an integrated approach. For example, when other,

non-verbal cues are taken into account, understanding spoken language

is made easier. Such cues may include facial expressions and eye contact.

The interrelationships between language and communication have been

further illuminated by developments in information and communication

technology. These have opened up exciting new areas of research,

providing insight, for example, into ways in which information from

both linguistic and non-linguistic sources can be integrated in multi-

modal messages.

What makes this programme special?What is the main difference between this two-year full-time programme

and Master’s programmes at other universities in the Netherlands?

Firstly, the fact that we use empirical research techniques to focus on

language as it is actually used. And, secondly, there is the way we

explore language and communication as an integrated whole.

Communication in face-to-face and multi-modal interactions at work is

a central theme. Other topics include understanding ways in which the

use of language shapes institutional, cross-cultural, and international

interaction. The current partnership between the Faculties of Arts at

Tilburg and Nijmegen intensifies fifteen years of collaboration in the

Centre for Language Studies (CLS), which is closely linked to the Max

Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI) and the Baby Research

Centre. This Research Master’s programme, which relies heavily on

research carried out in Tilburg and Nijmegen, is open to all graduates

– from universities inside or outside the Netherlands– with a relevant

BA or one-year MA.

The programme focuses on the following areas:

Communication•

Linguistics•

Information Technology•

Language and Speech Technology•

Psycholinguistics•

Sociolinguistics•

Linguistic Anthropology•

Language Acquisition•

You take a few obligatory classes covering the foundations of and the

links between these fields, as well as a range of elective classes at either

university that go deeper into aspects of your chosen areas of interest.

Gradually, more and more of your time will be spent participating in

actual research projects, reflecting the strong emphasis on empirical

research. You come in as a student and you leave as a junior researcher.

The total study load is 120 ECTS-credits.

For more detailed information please visit our website: www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/lc

“Religion is seen by great scholars - and not only scholars in religion studies and theology - as ‘the royal road into culture’. Studying religion gives you the opportunity to reach deeply into society and culture.”

Prof. dr. Paul Post Director of the Institute for Liturgical and Ritual Studies

For more detailed information please visit our website: www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/philosophy 06

The Research Master’s programme in Philosophy is a two-year

programme that covers a wide range of subjects in philosophy.

Our overall aim is to provide you with the skills and insight needed to

do independent intellectual work in philosophy at a postgraduate level.

Some of our students want to acquire these skills and insights as

preparation for a PhD track, some plan to use them in another area

of intellectual enterprise, and some are just curious and want to know

what postgraduate studies in philosophy are like. But all are invited

to participate in a lively research environment in which students are

encouraged to interact with some of the best minds in the field.

The art of thinkingThe difference between our Research Master’s programme in

Philosophy and other programmes is that it emphasizes skills. You will

receive a solid, thorough training in the art of thinking: clear reasoning,

critical analysis, deciphering complex subjects, and techniques such as

conveying your thoughts accurately. As a Master’s graduate you will

be able to make a valuable contribution to the intellectual debate on

philosophy, both amongst colleagues and in wider social circles.

Spectrum of specialisationsTilburg’s Research Master’s programme in Philosophy is a joint venture

with the Faculty of Philosophy at Radboud University Nijmegen.

Together, we offer the widest selection of philosophy specialisations

in Europe. You can choose between expert supervision in continental,

analytical and historical approaches to philosophy in a wide range of

research areas.

Excellent researchResearch in philosophy at Tilburg University attracts world-wide attention.

In theoretical philosophy, the Tilburg Center for Logic and Philosophy of

Science (TiLPS) is home to extensive collaboration between logicians,

philosophers of science, epistemologists, and philosophers of language.

And in practical philosophy there is a similarly strong cooperation

between ethicists and social, political and legal philosophers. There are

frequent guest lectures by renowned speakers from all over the world,

all of which are open to students. We stimulate an intellectually open

atmosphere and we not only study the many interconnections between

philosophical topics but also engage in interdisciplinary research, in

which philosophical points of view are combined with insights from

economics, legal theory, psychology, sociology, anthropology, linguistics

or computer science.

CurriculumThe programme, which takes two years, is structured as follows:

First year• Methods of Philosophical Research (18 ECTS)

• Training in academic writing and presentation skills (6 ECTS)

• One seminar in your area of specialisation (9 ECTS)

• Two seminars of your choice (18 ECTS)

• A research paper (9 ECTS)

Second year• Three seminars in your area of specialisation (27 ECTS)

• Training in academic skills (3 ECTS)

• Research Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

Research Master in Philosophy

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that religion is a very

important factor in the interplay between people and the development

of humanity in general, both individually as well as socially. A thorough

study of religion, taking into account, all its specific manifestations and

practices, qualities and dimensions, is of paramount importance to our

present-day society.

The Research Master’s programme offers variety and excellence in all

areas of religious studies and theology, with an emphasis not only on

Christian and Jewish traditions but also on other, non-western religious

traditions, those of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism in particular, and

non-institutional forms of religiosity and spirituality.

Thanks to cooperation with specialised centres of research, such as the

Institute for Liturgical and Ritual Studies, the National Liturgy Studies

Research Programmae, the Centre for Intercultural Ethics, Babylon

Centre for Studies of the Multicultural Society, the centre for Patristic

Research, and the Thomas Institute, the programme offers expertise

in an impressive range of different areas of theological and religious

studies.

Key-words are: in-depth academic knowledge of the research fields of

Religious Studies and Theology, acquiring research skills, preparation

for the PhD track and active participation in a wide range of research.

CurriculumThe Research Master’s programme in Theology allows you to specialize

in one of the acknowledged subfields of Religious Studies and Theology:

Biblical Studies, Systematic and Ethical Studies, Liturgical and Ritual

Studies, and studies of Religious diversity.

First yearSpecific Courses Major course 1 + 2 (15 ECTS)

Minor course 1 + 2 (15 ECTS)

Elective course/Skills (7.5 ECTS)

General Courses (required for all Research Master’s students) Classical Texts in Theology (7.5 ECTS)

Methodological Skills (7.5 ECTS)

Philosophy of Science (7.5 ECTS)

Second yearSpecific Courses Major course 3 + 4 (15 ECTS)

Elective course/Skills (7.5 ECTS)

General Courses (required for all Research Master’s students) Master’s Colloquium (4.5 ECTS)

Participation in Research Seminars (3 ECTS)

Research Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

Research Master in Theology

For more detailed information please visit our website: www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/theology 07

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Tilburg University has a strong position in research development.

The university is involved in different partnerships and joint ventures

with other universities and research institutes all over the world.

The continuous exchange of knowledge and ideas in these networks

makes it possible to create excellent educational programmes in research.

The Research Master’s programmes in Language and Communication,

Philosophy and Theology are taught by scholars with an established

reputation in research. Therefore these programmes are offered to a

selected group of excellent and talented students with a strong interest

in research.

The primary goal of these programmes is academic training, which

makes it ideal for those wishing to embark of research career, for

example by pursuing a PhD track. But it also caters for the growing

demand from the public and private sectors for people with academic

insights and research skills. Many graduates will join research groups in

the public or private sectors. These may address a wide range of topics

such as advanced internet, enhancing professional communication,

politics and administration, journalism and education in an internatio-

nal context.

Besides research positions within the universities, there are research

and management positions in businesses, (non-) profit organizations,

the educational sector and the government (e.g., the Ministry of

Education, Culture and Science), which require research qualifications,

but not a Ph.D. Degree.

Thus, for some students the Research Master provides a basis for

further (Ph.D.) training, whereas for other students the Research Master

completes their training for an academic working environment.

Prospective Researchers Career Opportunities

“You are entirely free to make your own choice; the kind of research that appeals to you most is the research you get to do.”

Joost Mulder -student Research Master

Admissions requirementsBefore applying, check that you meet the following requirements:

You have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with •

a grade point average of 7.5 (out of 10, Dutch grading system!) and

a minimal score of 8 on the Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.

Sufficient talent, affinity and motivation with respect to doing •

scientific research, as demonstrated in the Bachelor’s or Master’s

thesis (or a comparable essay), or in a dedicated research proposal

Adequate knowledge of English. TOEFL language admission test (min. •

paper based: 577, computer based: 233, internet based: 90) or IELTS

(min. 6.5 overall/6.0 on parts) or Cambridge Proficiency. If you are an

English native speaker or an EEA citizen who has studied in an English

undergraduate programme, an English proficiency test is NOT required.

Application deadlines

Next course Next course Deadlines Studentsbegins ends 01-10-2010 NON-EU/EEA

(requiring a visa)

21-01-2011 15-01-2012 01-11-2010 NON-EU/EEA

(NOT requiring a visa)

01-12-2010 EU/EEA

15-04-2011 NON-EU/EEA

(requiring a visa)

30-08-2011 15-07-2012 15-05-2011 NON-EU/EEA

(NOT requiring a visa)

01-07-2011 EU/EEA

Please note: Research Master in Language and Communication has only an

intake at the end of August each year!

Application and selection procedureAll applicants must go through an application and selection procedure

before joining the programme. This procedure ensures all students’

backgrounds, profiles and ambitions meet our requirements.

Admissions and Application

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Send in your application form and required

documents.

Within 1 week you will receive confirmation of your delivered

documents from the Admissions Officer.

The Admissions Committee will spend 4 weeks on

your individual application to form their decision.

The notification letter will be send to you within 1 week.

You will receive a letter of notification, stating committee’s decision.

From stage 1 onwards, the entire procedure

will take up to 6 weeks!

You can either start studying immediately or you have to meet

additional requirements.

Admissions Committee will deal with

individual applications.

Please consult our website www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/(lc, philosophy or theology) for detailed information concerning the admissions and application.

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Please do not hesitate to contact our International Relations Office (IRO),

for your personal queries about the programme, scholarships, admissions

and enrolment. You are more than welcome to contact us before, during

or even after your submission period. Our international team is glad to

answer all your questions about studying at Tilburg School of Humanities

and provide you with detailed practical information!

Your personal contact:

Omid FeyliInternational Relations Office

admissionshumanities@uvt.nl

IRO.humanities

Phone: +31 (0)13 466 3580

For further information on the latest updates, please visit our

Research Master websites:

www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/lcwww.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/philosophywww.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/theology

Paulien StaalInternational Relations Office

admissionshumanities@uvt.nl

IRO.humanities

Phone: +31 (0)13 466 3060

Contact Us for More InformationFeel free to join our online social networks

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Tilburg

Tilburg UniversityAddress PO Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands

Telephone +31 13 466 35 80

Fax +31 13 466 28 92

E-mail admissionshumanities@uvt.nl

Skype IRO.humanities

Websites www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/lc

www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/philosophy

www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters/theology

www.tilburguniversity.nl/researchmasters