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: B2German: None
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
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
|
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
German language requirements
English language requirements
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?
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
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
Institute of Philosophy
- Address
- Lange Laube 6, 30159 Hannover
- Phone
- +49 51176214335