University of Humanistic Studies

The University of Humanistic Studies (Universiteit voor Humanistiek, UvH), founded in 1989 and located in the historic centre of Utrecht, Netherlands, is a small, publicly funded university with a unique humanist identity. Its education and research are interdisciplinary, integrating social sciences and humanities—including philosophy, sociology, psychology and history—to address questions about worldviews, meaning-making and the humanisation of society.

The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Humanistic Studies, a Master of Arts in Humanistic Studies, a Master of Arts in Care Ethics and Policy, a Master of Arts in Citizenship, Professionalism and Civil Society, and a PhD programme. A new Master's programme in Social Work and Social Justice is planned from academic year 2027–2028. Exchange programmes for Bachelor's and Master's students are offered via Erasmus+.

Research at UvH centres on the question of how people can lead dignified and meaningful lives in a just and caring society. Eight interdisciplinary research themes cover areas including meaning-making and chaplaincy, care and welfare, justice and diversity, democracy and citizenship, and professional ethics. All programmes are accredited by NVAO.