University of Humanistic Studies

The University of Humanistic Studies (UvH) is a small accredited research university located in the historic centre of Utrecht in the Netherlands, founded in 1989 and recognized as the youngest Dutch university with a unique academic focus on humanistic studies that explore questions of meaning, values, and ethical life in contemporary society. The institution combines insights from the humanities and social sciences to address issues such as social justice, citizenship, care ethics, and humane living, with a personalized educational model, small classes, and close interaction between faculty and students. It offers a Bachelor’s in Humanistic Studies, Master’s programmes in Humanistic Studies, Care Ethics and Policy, and Citizenship, Professionalism and Civil Society, as well as a PhD through its Graduate School designed for in-depth research on normative societal challenges. Research at UvH is transdisciplinary and oriented toward understanding and improving conditions for meaningful and dignified lives in a just and caring society, drawing on fields like philosophy, history, sociology and psychology, and conducted with both qualitative and mixed methods. Located in Utrecht’s urban centre, the university engages in international research collaborations, applied societal projects, and mobility programmes, seeking to contribute to academic knowledge and practical solutions that shape humane policy and ethical practice.