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.
In this two-year international Master's Programme, students engage with questions about the status of scientific knowledge and its role in public policy debates. The programme provides philosophical methods and tools needed to understand what kind of knowledge the sciences can provide and to critically examine scientific knowledge claims. Students have the opportunity to engage with philosophical questions arising within particular scientific disciplines.
The programme offers specializations in the philosophy of different special sciences, in ethics and political philosophy, and in epistemology and metaphysics. It consists of 7 modules: Core Courses, Project Module, Metaphysics/Epistemology/Mind & Language, Moral/Social/Political Philosophy, Electives, two Specialisation Modules, and the Master Thesis.
The internationally renowned Institute for Philosophy at Leibniz University is unparalleled in Europe in its concentration of senior faculty in philosophy of science, with five of its six professorships in this field.
Master
English
Social Sciences
Philosophy of Science
Master of Arts (M.A.)
About the Program
▶ Show the original English text
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.
In this two-year international Master's Programme, students engage with questions about the status of scientific knowledge and its role in public policy debates. The programme provides philosophical methods and tools needed to understand what kind of knowledge the sciences can provide and to critically examine scientific knowledge claims. Students have the opportunity to engage with philosophical questions arising within particular scientific disciplines.
The programme offers specializations in the philosophy of different special sciences, in ethics and political philosophy, and in epistemology and metaphysics. It consists of 7 modules: Core Courses, Project Module, Metaphysics/Epistemology/Mind & Language, Moral/Social/Political Philosophy, Electives, two Specialisation Modules, and the Master Thesis.
The internationally renowned Institute for Philosophy at Leibniz University is unparalleled in Europe in its concentration of senior faculty in philosophy of science, with five of its six professorships in this field.
In this two-year international Master's Programme, students engage with questions about the status of scientific knowledge and its role in public policy debates. The programme provides philosophical methods and tools needed to understand what kind of knowledge the sciences can provide and to critically examine scientific knowledge claims. Students have the opportunity to engage with philosophical questions arising within particular scientific disciplines.
The programme offers specializations in the philosophy of different special sciences, in ethics and political philosophy, and in epistemology and metaphysics. It consists of 7 modules: Core Courses, Project Module, Metaphysics/Epistemology/Mind & Language, Moral/Social/Political Philosophy, Electives, two Specialisation Modules, and the Master Thesis.
The internationally renowned Institute for Philosophy at Leibniz University is unparalleled in Europe in its concentration of senior faculty in philosophy of science, with five of its six professorships in this field.
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How do I apply to Philosophy of Science at Leibniz Universität Hannover?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Philosophy of Science at Leibniz Universität Hannover
Is Philosophy of Science at Leibniz Universität Hannover taught in German or English? ▼
This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Philosophy of Science programme cost? ▼
No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.
What are the admission requirements for Philosophy of Science at Leibniz Universität Hannover? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).
When is the application deadline? ▼
Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.
Can I work in Germany while studying Philosophy of Science? ▼
Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.
How do I apply to Leibniz Universität Hannover — directly or via uni-assist? ▼
Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.