Philosophy and Computer Science University of Bayreuth

From deep fakes to medical imaging, from smart environments to surveillance capitalism: modern information technologies challenge us to think carefully about their impact on society. The interdisciplinary Master’s programme in Philosophy & Computer Science (P&CS) at the University of Bayreuth trains a new generation of scientists and creative thinkers to critically and constructively navigate the social, epistemological, ethical, and institutional challenges of AI. It combines training in computational skills with deep philosophical analysis.

Philosophy & Computer Science combines foundational education with cutting-edge research-related teaching. The philosophical education within the programme will cover ethical, epistemological and metaphysical questions posed by modern computer-based systems as well as the social, political and legal implications of the deployment of such systems. In the computer science modules, students will learn how modern software is created through both automated learning and algorithmic programming and work on practical applications. Graduates of Philosophy & Computer Science will thus be able to identify and respond to the key technical, social, ethical, and institutional challenges raised by new developments in information technology, including AI, machine learning, generative systems, recommendations, interaction with agents and assistants, and automated decision making.  

Graduates of Philosophy & Computer Science can be awarded either an MSc or an MA depending on their individual specialisation. They are ideally equipped for leadership roles in public and private sectors. 

For more information, please visit our website. You can get an impression of our teaching with our trial lectures on edX and you can also follow activities of the P&CS community in Bayreuth on Instagram.

The interdisciplinary Master's programme in Philosophy & Computer Science takes four semesters (full-time) and comprises 120 ECTS credits. In each semester, 30 ECTS credits are earned. Classes in the first year are organised in four different tracks catered to the different backgrounds of the student. Within these tracks, a common foundation in both philosophy and computer science is established. In the second year, students can choose from a number of specialised classes. Their choice of specialisation as well as the topic of the Master’s thesis determine whether they receive an MA (philosophy) or MSc (computer science) degree. An overview of the programme and sample study plans can be found on our programme website. You can get an impression of our classes in our trial lectures on edX.

The interdisciplinary approach of the study programme is strengthened both by the corresponding course offerings and by innovative teaching and learning methods, including diverse examination forms throughout the entire course of study.

The teachers in the Philosophy & Computer Science programme are leading researchers in the field who want to share their passion and are excited to welcome you to this new programme. University of Bayreuth hosts many international experts on digital sciences research and is a leading institution at interdisciplinary work on digital technologies, data, and AI (e.g. RAIS^2). All throughout the campus, there is a growing interest in interdisciplinary questions that arise at the interface of philosophy and computer science, with numerous opportunities for research projects and several research groups contributing to foundational research on topics such as, e.g. Intelligent Systems, Ethics of New Technologies, Policy & Regulation, Data Analysis & Data Processing, Machine Learning & Computation, and Human-Computer Interaction. As a graduate of this programme, you can earn a specialisation certificate for one of these topics in addition to your degree.

Internships can be credited as part of this programme based on individual arrangements.

The most important prerequisite for applying to this programme is having a strong interest in contemporary societal issues raised by new technologies. Apart from that, you’ll need: 

• a Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) in computer science, philosophy or a related field (Applicants with interdisciplinary degrees in fields such as cognitive science or computational linguistics are also welcome to apply.)

• an up-to-date transcript of records

• a short essay outlining your reasons for choosing the Philosophy and Computer Science programme, the competencies that qualify you for the programme and how you plan to expand them through the programme (max. 500 words)

• excellent command of written and spoken English (B2)

• basic German (A1, can be acquired within the first year of study)

Applicants from outside the EU who have obtained their degrees abroad also have to upload the application documents via uni-assist and undergo a fee-based special procedure. Applicants can find the relevant information for the document checking process here.

For further information on the application process, please visit the programme website. 

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 165.84 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.

Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching

Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.

The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 12,000 students (19% internationals). Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.

We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools, are conducted in English. There are presently around 2,500 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.

Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2025 THE ranking, the University of Bayreuth achieved the top position 31 among the 1,000 best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.

For a closer look at our university, have a look here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en.

Welcome to Bavaria!
75,000 people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 12,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.

Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.

A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.

Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a wide variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two and a half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.

Why you should study in Bayreuth: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/study-in-bayreuth

Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!