University of Humanistic

Located at the heart of the medieval city centre of Utrecht, the University of Humanistic Studies is a small denominational university that is explicitly inspired by humanist traditions. Our research and education focus on contemporary issues concerning meanings of life and worldviews, and on building a humane society.

Since its establishment in 1989, the university has been active in the field of social, ethical and worldview-related scientific research. It also supports the practical application of the knowledge acquired through this research. It educates creative and critical professionals and takes an active position as a participant in social debates. Despite its relatively small size, the university has managed to carve its own unique niche.

Humanistic Studies is a multidisciplinary science that draws on various disciplines that are used in conjunction whenever appropriate. These disciplines are philosophy, ethics, psychology, education, sociology, history, religious studies, and philosophy of science and scientific methodology.

The University of Humanistic Studies grew from the original ‘Humanistisch Opleidings Instituut’ (HOI), or Humanist Training Institute. The Humanist League (‘Humanistisch Verbond’) first began a training programme for humanist counsellors in the army, in 1962. Two years later, the HOI was established as an auxiliary foundation of the Humanist League.

The HOI initially offered a two-year training programme, recognised by the Ministers of Defence and of Justice. From January 1977, the HOI was funded as a three-year higher vocational programme. In August 1980 it became a four-year programme.

At the same time, the profession of humanist counselling was undergoing strong theoretical and methodological development. Counsellors had to meet increasingly higher demands, and thus the need arose for an education programme at the/an academic level.

The University of Humanistic Studies is devoted to high-quality scientific research and education on the basis of its humanist inspiration and thereby contributes to a humane and sustainable society in which all people can lead a meaningful life.

Education at the University of Humanistic Studies is personal, small-scale and varied. The programmes and courses are interdisciplinary, combining humanities and social sciences. They focus on issues relating to worldviews, the way people give meaning to life, and the way we strive for a humane society. The humanist worldview is an important source of inspiration in every course.

The programmes also combine a wide range of academic subjects with the development of practical and professional skills such as reflection, presentation and open dialogue. Herefore, we use a variety of teaching methods. The different programmes require students to have an open mind, a wide range of knowledge and sharp analytical skills. Students should be able to develop their own point of view and evaluate this critically in the course of their studies.

The University of Humanistic Studies offers you, An academic community where you receive personal attention and guidance during your education, The opportunity to learn to think critically, express your own opinions, participate in discussions and develop reflective and communicative skills, The opportunity to learn, grow and flourish in a thriving academic environment, where critical questions of a moral and philosophical nature are not avoided, Learning based on an interdisciplinary approach where courses are offered in small groups to promote the intensive exchange of ideas between students and teachers, An easily approachable academic staff that has high expectations of its students, but also offers ample opportunities for students to develop their own views and talents.