PhDs in the Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities welcomes all who wish to contribute to our research programmes by writing a dissertation.

PhD candidates at our faculty are members of one of the research schools. Therefore, if you want to join our faculty as a PhD candidate, please read the descriptions of the six schools and choose one. In this section, you can find all the information you need if you want to apply for a PhD position, the training we offer our candidates, and all other practical matters.

Becoming a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Humanities

There are three categories of PhD candidates at the Faculty of Humanities:

• candidates who are employed by the Faculty
• Candidates who receive their salary from the Faculty of Humanities, but their funding comes from external sources

PhD Training

Find out more about the training that is offered by the National Research Schools in the humanities, the AIHR PhD Skills programme, and the research schools.

Some Practical Matters

As a new PhD candidate at the Faculty of Humanities, you will be confronted with a complex organisation. First advice: cling to the coordinator of your school, your fellow PhD candidates, and ask for help!

PhD Council

Many PhD candidates obtain their doctorates at the Faculty of Humanities each year. The PhD council represents all PhD candidates at the Faculty, employees or not, in all matters that affect their interests. Its main goal is to support PhD candidates in their research and academic development.

Psychological service for PhD candidates

PhD candidates can use the services of UvA's Student Psychologists Office. This service entails short-term help in case of (psychological) problems that influence your PhD research or your personal life.

Well-being and Social Safety

As a PhD candidate, you may experience transgressive behaviour or other problems that affect your (physical or mental) health. If you encounter such issues, you can make use of various facilities for staff and students.

Upcoming courses

• Career Lunch with RDM Specialist Karin Beijering: 4 Dec 2025
• Hands-on Zotero Tutorial: 10 Dec 2025
• PhD Skills | Research Data Management Group D: 15 Dec 2025

Research Areas

The Faculty of Humanities focuses on several core themes, including:

• Humane AI
• Cultural Heritage and Identity
• Digital Citizenship
• Empowering Language
• Health Humanities
• Environment and Society

Research Schools

The Faculty of Humanities is home to several research schools, including:

• CREATE
• 4D Research Lab
• Conservation and Restoration Labs
• Digital Methods Initiative
• Music Lab
• SignLab
• Speech Lab

National Schools

The Faculty of Humanities is part of several national schools, which provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers from different institutions.

University of Amsterdam

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Overview:

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a renowned research university located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is one of Europe's leading universities, boasting over 40,000 students, 6,000 staff members, and 3,000 PhD candidates. The UvA is a hub for academic research and education, known for its commitment to connecting scientific research with societal challenges.

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Academic Programs:

The UvA offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Bachelor's:

Over 20 English-taught programs are available.

Master's:

Over 150 English-taught programs are offered.

For Professionals:

Short-term and long-term programs for those seeking to continue their education alongside their careers.

Summer School:

The UvA Summer School provides a variety of courses for international students.

Open Programs:

The UvA offers open programs for those interested in exploring specific topics.

Exchange:

The UvA participates in various exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad.

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Other:

The UvA is known for its strong research focus, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university also has a strong commitment to internationalization, with a diverse student body and faculty.