Philosophy of Science, M.A.
The English-language Master’s programme Philosophy of Science at Leibniz University Hannover examines science as an epistemic practice and as a force shaping society. Students work on questions about evidence, objectivity, models, explanation, values in science, and the role of scientific expertise in public policy and public debate. The programme combines systematic philosophy with reflection on the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Programme facts
| Degree | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Required English | B2 |
| Study mode | Full-Time |
| Start | Winter semester, summer semester |
| Application | uni-assist (VPD) + the university, winter semester until 31.05, summer semester until 30.11 |
| Admission | No admission restriction: every eligible applicant is admitted |
| Tuition fee | €0 per semester for international students |
| Semester contribution | €434.91 per semester |
What the tuition fee consists of
Will I get in
Every applicant who meets the formal requirements is admitted — but places can run out before the deadline, so apply at the start of the window.
How the selection works and how strong the competition is — we go through it against your certificate when we select programmes for you.
Programme selection →About the programme
The programme is built around the observation that modern societies are increasingly shaped by scientific and technological developments. These developments influence social and political systems as well as our understanding of ourselves. Philosophy of Science critically analyses the conceptual foundations of the sciences, the role of values in research, and the special credibility of scientific results.
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The Master’s programme includes courses in core areas of contemporary philosophy, especially metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, moral philosophy, and political philosophy. A particular focus lies on philosophy of science and ethics of science.
What you study
- Semester 1:
- Introduction to Philosophy of Science
- Project Seminar
- MEML (Metaphysics, Epistemology, Mind and Language)
- MSPP (Moral, Social and Political Philosophy)
- Electives
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
- Academic career in philosophy
- Research management at universities and research institutes
- Work in public authorities and ministries, especially in science, research, education, technology, environment, health, and social affairs
- Committees, especially ethics committees
- Funding bodies, private foundations, and associations
- Publishing, media, freelance journalism, and consultancy
Cost of study
| Tuition fee of the federal state (Lower Saxony), international students | €0 |
|---|---|
| Semester contribution | €434.91 |
Requirements and application
| Previous education | The programme is suited to applicants with an undergraduate degree in philosophy or in a suitable related or science-relevant discipline who wish to deepen their philosophical education with a focus on philosophy of science. |
|---|---|
| Language | English B2 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
| Application | uni-assist (VPD) + the university, winter semester until 31.05, summer semester until 30.11 |
The procedure and the set of documents depend on your certificate. We check the university's requirements against your documents and give you a list: what to submit, how to certify and translate it, where and when to apply.
Check the requirementsHow to get into this programme
- 1Check your certificate and its recognitionDirect admission, a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — this decides the whole plan.
- 2Documents and translationsCertified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
- 3Application uni-assist (VPD) + the university until 30.11uni-assist checks documents for 4–6 weeks — send them well before the deadline.
- 4Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account in parallel.
How to apply
You can submit the application yourself or with our help — the university decides on admission in both cases.
Applications go through the university's portal or uni-assist. Typical mistakes:
- ×incorrectly made certified copies and translations
- ×a wrong set of documents
- ×the application submitted the wrong way
- ×errors or gaps in the application form
- ×the application submitted at the wrong time — too early or too late
An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is excluded from the selection — it can no longer be corrected after the deadline.
StudyInFocus does not represent the university and does not influence the admission decision. We do not sell study places and do not guarantee admission — this is a service for preparing and submitting documents on the applicant's side.
If your level is not enough yet
The two most common stoppers are a language level below the requirement and a certificate without direct admission. Both can be solved, but they take months — plan them now, not after a rejection.
Questions about this programme
How much does the programme cost?
What language level do I need?
When do I need to apply?
Don't postpone the application
The deadline is 30.11.2026 (47 days left). Language, translations and the document check take months, not weeks. In 30 minutes we will build a plan backwards from the deadline and tell you honestly whether you can make it.