Philosophy of Science
(Master of Arts)

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Profile

Course type

Postgraduate studies (Master)

Standard Course Duration

4 semesters

Course Start

Winter semester, Summer semester

Language of Instruction

English

Language Requirements

English B2
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Admission

Unrestricted admission

International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

The study programme is developed around the observation that modern societies are increasingly influenced by scientific and technological developments. These developments have profound effects on social and political systems and on our understanding of ourselves. They thus need to be critically analyzed—a task to which philosophy is ideally suited. Philosophy involves reflection on the conceptual foundations of the sciences, and it can analyze the role of values in science and the sources of the special credibility of scientific results. This Master’s Programme aims to provide students with the ability to participate in critical reflection on the sciences.
The Master's Programme offers courses in core areas of contemporary philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind and moral and political philosophy. There is particular focus on the philosophy and ethics of science.

Further information on the website of the programme Philosophy of Science

Course Content

Comprehensive research-oriented training for philosophers
Focus on ethics and epistemology of the natural sciences, life sciences, humanities and social sciences

Course Structure

The degree programme offers participants targeted specializations in different areas of philosophy of science, ethics and political philosophy as well as epistemology and metaphysics. In addition, philosophical core competencies (e.g., research and presentation skills) are also taught, and students are introduced to cutting-edge research topics.

The degree programme consists of required and elective modules (see below)
In addition to required modules, students select two modules from the following required elective modules:

Ethics and Philosophy of Science (2 Courses)
History and the Philosophy of Human Sciences (2 Courses)
Philosophy of the Life Sciences (2 Courses)
Philosophy of the Physical Sciences (2 Courses)

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4
Required Module	Core Course: Introduction to Philosophy of Science	Core Course: Introduction to Formal Methods
Required Module	Project Module	Project Module
Required Module	Metaphysics, Epistemology, Mind & Language (MEML)	MEML	MEML
Required Module	Moral, Social and Political Philosophy (MSPP)	MSPP	MSPP
Required Module	Elective courses	Elective courses
Required Electives		Required Elective Module I	Required Elective Module I
Required Electives		Required Elective Module II	Required Elective Module II
Required Module				Master's Thesis

Recommended Abilities

Career Opportunities

A university career in philosophy
Research management at higher education institutions and research institutes
Work for authorities and ministries (particularly in the fields of science, research, education, technology, the environment, health and social matters)
Committees (particularly ethics committees)
Involvement in funding bodies, private foundations and associations
Publishing, media, freelance journalism and consultancy

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

Philosophy as subject in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Programme (Bachelor of Arts)

Or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification at a German university or a foreign university belonging to the Bologna signatory states in philosophy or in another relevant undergraduate degree, or in an academic discipline relevant for the Master’s degree programme Philosophy of Science (including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, mathematics, political science, sociology, psychology, historiography or economics).

The selection committee shall decide whether a degree programme or related academic discipline is suitable; the decision may be accompanied by the condition that missing modules or courses must be completed within two semesters.

For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: