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 "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.
A mandatory internship of six weeks
Since Bielefeld University does not charge tuition fees, every student only has to pay a social fee. The social fee includes the contribution to the social ticket for free public transport in the city and area of Bielefeld and on regional trains and buses in North-Rhine Westphalia for the whole semester.
The current semester contribution is approximately 300 EUR.
Costs for studying in Germany are relatively high due to the living expenses.
There are several ways of cutting expenses in Bielefeld. For example, it is possible to rent a room in a student residence for about 230 EUR, and a meal at the student canteen (Mensa) costs only about 2.60 EUR.
Admission requirements include a degree in a programme of at least six semesters and a successful application.
Proof of language skills in English is required. A level of C1 in English according to the CEFR is necessary for the application. Sufficient language skills can be proven by a qualifying academic degree from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction if the level of C1 is explicitly mentioned. Sufficient language skills can also be proven through a language certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL.
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
Basically, with your residence permit (stamp in your passport), you will receive a work permit for 120 work days per year. This allows you to work 120 full days (eight hours per day) or 240 half days (up to four hours per day). This condition must be noted expressly in the passport by the authorities.
Please try to secure accommodation in Bielefeld as early as possible. In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices. Students residences are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations, and shared flats are very common.
Offers of accommodation can be found online by following the links below:
The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.
Career planning is a step-by-step development and clarification process that requires individual strategies. Based on a strengths- and resource-oriented approach, we support you in developing your own career prospects.
Depending on your needs, our Career Service at Bielefeld University will accompany you throughout the entire process or in individual steps.
At PunktUm, our German Learning Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of academic support programmes that are designed to meet the needs of international members of the Bielefeld University. These include the Academic Mentoring Programme for Master's students, the Peer Mentoring Programme for Bachelor's students, and semester-long workshops designed to help all students and researchers with academic writing. We also offer individual consultations on academic writing in German as a Foreign Language (DaF) or German as a Second Language (DaZ).
The International Office provides an orientation programme for all international members of Bielefeld University, including degree seekers (BA and MA), double degree students, Erasmus/cooperation students, doctoral students, scholars, interns, and refugees/preparing applicants. Example of activities include Café International, campus tour, introductions to digital services and administrative procedures.
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