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Master's programme

MA in Philosophy of Science Leibniz University Hannover

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 January 2027 (summer semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: None

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MA
Duration
4 semesters
Intake
Winter and summer semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

English

Courses are held in English. A small portion of courses is also offered in German, but these are not required. Thus, it is possible to finish the Master's degree with no knowledge of German.

Programme description

The MA programme in Philosophy of Science is designed for students interested in acquiring an advanced analytic understanding of foundational and conceptual questions concerning the sciences. Among philosophical questions concerning the sciences and their role in contemporary society are the following: What is the nature of science? What distinguishes scientific activity from other human pursuits? Is the aim of science to discover fundamental truths about reality? How do sciences explain things? What role do values play in science? What is the place of science in modern cultures and societies? What role can and should scientific expertise play in a democratic society? Other philosophical questions concern individual sciences, including biology, climate science, medicine, physics, psychology, and sociology. The programme also offers some courses in core areas of general philosophy.

The MA programme is intended for students with a strong background in either philosophy or a science. The programme is very demanding. Excellent English language skills and prior experience with the critical analysis of academic texts are essential prerequisites, as is a desire to develop skills in rigorous analytical reasoning and normative deliberation.

Leibniz University Hannover provides a lively environment to study philosophy, in a vibrant urban setting in the heart of Germany. The Institute of Philosophy at Leibniz University Hannover is the largest department in philosophy of science in the German-speaking world, and it has a strong international and interdisciplinary orientation.

Programme structure

Instruction takes place in the form of lectures and seminars. For a list of required courses and the structure of the programme, see our website:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/studienangebot/info/studiengang/detail/philosophy-of-science/

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • International guest lecturers
  • Courses are led with foreign partners

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Summer semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
EU countries
1 December 2026
15 January 2027
Non-EU countries
15 October 2026
30 November 2026

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
EU countries
1 June 2027
15 July 2027
Non-EU countries
15 April 2027
31 May 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

A Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credit points from within the European Union (EU), or an equivalent degree from outside the EU

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
UNIcert® English
Total: UNIcert® II
telc English
Total: telc English B2-C1 University
PTE Academic
Total: 59 / 90
Cambridge English Qualifications
Total: B2 First
IELTS Academic
Total: 5.5 / 9
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

Approx. 440 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following contributions:

  • student services organisation ("Studentenwerk")
  • student government (Student Union, AStA)
  • semester ticket
  • administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony

http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

Cost of living

On average, a student in Hannover will need around 965 to 1106 EUR for living expenses each month. Please note: These are average values intended for guidance only. Individual items may vary considerably. For example, the costs of learning materials differ significantly depending on the degree programme.

Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/

Part-time employment

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.

Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse

Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover

Scholarships and financing information

Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung

Deutschlandstipendium:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung/deutschlandstipendium

Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Cultural and linguistic preparation

Accommodation

Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)

Contact

Main contact

Institute of Philosophy

Adresse
Lange Laube 6, 30159 Hannover
E-Mail
E-mail

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Stipendien werden geladen...

Diese Stipendien könnten zu diesem Studiengang passen. Bitte wähle zuerst ein Herkunftsland aus. 

Immer wissen, was als Nächstes ansteht

Mit deinem Study Guide hast du eine persönliche To-do-Liste, die sich an dein Herkunftsland, deinen Abschluss und deine Interessen anpasst – und dir zeigt, was als Nächstes wichtig ist.