Courses are held in German and English.
Participants can choose to write the Master's thesis in either language.
Applicants with a foreign degree:
15 July for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester
Applicants with a German degree:
1 September for the following winter semester
1 March for the following summer semester
The "History, Economics and Philosophy of Science (HEPS)" or "Interdisciplinary Studies of Science (ISoS)" Master's programme at Bielefeld University offers a course of study that aims to bring out essential characteristics of science. The objective is to analyse the ways in which science produces knowledge, the institutional framework and economic structure of science, and the ways in which science is part of a changing social context both in the past and at present.
This analysis requires linking various disciplinary perspectives. The sociology of science analyses the interrelations between science and its societal context. The philosophy of science focuses on the epistemic aspects of justifying knowledge claims and cognitive rationality. It puts special emphasis on the ethical aspect of responsibility. The history of science traces the historical development of science in its continuities and ruptures and analyses the ways in which this is significant to the economy and society. These disciplinary approaches complement each other, and together, they contribute to a better understanding of science.
The programme begins with an introductory module in which students become acquainted with the approaches to the subject of science, which have partially emerged separately from each other in the disciplines of the history, philosophy, and social studies of science. A second module from an empirical science (the "object discipline" module) is added to this introductory module.
Three main modules follow. These are dedicated to the development of science, to science and society, and the methods of science, respectively.
One semester is spent at a partner institution abroad. Moreover, an internship of six weeks is required.
The programme is completed with a Master's thesis.
Non-native German speakers must present proof of German language skills at the level of B1 before they can apply for the Master's certificate at the registrar's office.
Recommended course of study:
The programme can be entered in either the winter semester or the summer semester. However, it is designed for entrance in the winter semester. In the first semester, the introductory module should be completed and the main module, "object disciplines", should be started. The second and third semesters should be devoted to the three main modules and the completion of "object disciplines", and the fourth semester should be dedicated to the writing of the Master's thesis. If the programme is entered in the summer semester, the duration of study is likely to increase.
One semester is spent at a partner institution abroad. Partner institutions include Torun (PL), the University of Bologna (IT), Budapest (HU), and ENS in Paris (FR) as well as the universities Notre Dame (US), Tilburg (NL), Uppsala (SE) and Vienna (AT). The stay abroad should take place during the third semester. The credit points earned abroad are valid for the main modules.
A mandatory internship of six weeks
320 EUR
Admission requirements include a degree in a programme of at least six semesters and a successful application.
Proof of language skills in English and German is required. Sufficient language skills can be proven by a qualifying academic degree from an institution in which German or English is the primary language of instruction. Sufficient language skills can also be proven by English at the CEFR level of B2 and a level of German equivalent to that which is expected of international students at the University of Bielefeld (e.g., the "Goethe-Zertifikat" at the level of C2). If no German language skills can be proven by the date of the prospective student's application, a level of C1 in English is necessary for application. In this case, the student is required to learn German during the course of the programme, and German language knowledge must be proven at the level of B1 before the Master's degree is to be issued.
Applicants with a foreign degree:
15 July for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester
Applicants with a German degree:
1 September for the following winter semester
1 March for the following summer semester
The application is to be submitted via the central online portal of the registrar's office: https://campus.uni-bielefeld.de/qisserver/pages/cs/sys/portal/hisinoneStartPage.faces
In general, international students are allowed to work parallel to their studies for 120 days or 240 half days per year without a work permit once they have successfully completed preparations for their studies and started a course of study.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university. However, jobs for students can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.
In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices.
Halls of residence are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations. Additionally, single apartments and rooms in shared flats with other students are available. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 300 EUR per month. The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.
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