The challenges posed to our society by new digital technologies like Artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and big data call for solutions that combine technological and philosophical expertise. Our Master’s programme Philosophy & Computer Science (P&CS) at the University of Bayreuth aims at training a new generation of scientists and creative thinkers with all the necessary skills to navigate the social, epistemological, ethical, and institutional challenges of ever-more pervasive modern information technologies.
Modern society is rapidly changing and increasingly digital. As such, it faces many unforeseen challenges in research, business, and politics. Our vision for this new programme is to empower graduates to navigate these challenges by providing them with a unique set of skills that will make them expert problem-solvers and tech innovators.
Prof. Dr. Lena Kästner
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Master of Arts (M.A.) / Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Language proficiency: English level B2, German level A1 (can be acquired within the first year)
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Why Study Philosophy & Computer Science?
Philosophy & Computer Science combines foundational education with cutting-edge research-related teaching. Students of Philosophy & Computer Science will gain both philosophical and computer science expertise. Their philosophical education will cover ethical, epistemological and metaphysical questions posed by modern computer-based systems, as well as the social, political and legal implications of such systems’ deployment. 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.
Structure and Content
Students will gain a unique combination of skills in computational as well as analytical thinking. Their schedules will be tailored to their interests and needs. Sample study plans can be found on the programme website. The first year aims to establish a common foundation, while the second year offers ample opportunities for specialization.
First Year: Foundations in Four Tracks
In the first year, introductory courses establish a shared knowledge base. The Shared Foundations modules contain a number of interdisciplinary courses aimed at all students. In addition, students will study Track Specific Foundations depending on their specific background knowledge. The Computer Scientist's Track offers philosophical training for those with a background in computer science, while the Philosopher's Track presents basic computer scientific training for philosophers. Those with interdisciplinary backgrounds (e.g., in cognitive science, computer linguistics, …) will be assigned individual foundational modules in the Mixed Track. Students who have already covered the basic modules of both the Computer Scientist's and the Philosopher's Track in their prior studies will be admitted into the Development Track which allows them to take specialization courses instead of foundational ones.
Second Year: Specialization and Master’s Thesis
Throughout the second year, students can delve into various topics at the intersection of philosophy and computer science. These may include topics such as Intelligent Systems, Ethics of New Technologies, Policy & Regulation, Data Analysis & Data Processing, Machine Learning & Computation, or Human-Computer Interaction. Students can take seminars, conduct individual research projects, and incorporate internships or participation in academic conferences into their studies. In the final semester, students will write a thesis. Their choice of specialization for the thesis will determine whether they will be awarded a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree.
Job opportunities for graduates of this programme are varied and quickly evolving. Philosophy & Computer Science graduates will be highly qualified to fill public and private leadership positions requiring analytical and computational thinking skills. Depending on specialization, these may include but are not limited to:
Potential employers include:
Depending on their background and choice of specialization in this programme, graduates of Philosophy and Computer Science may be in an excellent position to continue their academic development with a doctorate in philosophy, computer science, or related disciplines. Teachers from this programme will regularly point out PhD opportunities within their fields and offer personal guidance. In addition, University of Bayreuth offers general career advice and regular career fairs:
https://ubt-career.de/
The University of Bayreuth Graduate School supervises doctoral students of all subjects who are pursuing a doctorate in a structured programme or at one of the University's seven faculties. We facilitate scientific exchange already in the earliest phase of independent research, and complement the interdisciplinary education of doctoral students with additional teaching and training opportunities. Our aim is to create the perfect research and learning conditions for them.
You can find all the information on doctoral studies in Bayreuth on the homepage of the Junior Scholar Office WiN.
Bayreuth’s Philosophy & Computer Science programme is unique within the German-speaking area. Its teachers 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 (https://www.baylds.uni-bayreuth.de/de/index.html).
As a medium-sized campus university, we place less emphasis on growth and more on ensuring the highest quality of our infrastructure for both teaching and research. All across 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 specialization certificate for one of these topics in addition to your degree.
This Master’s is designed as a fully English-speaking programme. However, those wishing to take German classes may do so where fitting classes (e.g. in law, business informatics, or computer science) are available. Since English is the main language of our programme, very good spoken and written English is essential for the successful completion of this programme, and skills beyond B2 are highly recommended. In addition, students must acquire basic (A1) German skills either before or during the first year of study.
This programme will lead to either an M.A. or an M.Sc. depending on the chosen specialization and the focus of the master’s thesis. Independent of their previous qualifications and the respective track, students who specialize in philosophy in the second year will receive an M.A.; students who specialize in computer science will receive an M.Sc. In potential borderline cases, the final decision lies with the examination board (Prüfungsausschuss). Teachers offer ample support in guiding students on their personal path through the programme.
For those who focus on a specific thematic area (e.g., machine learning, policy, and regulation, ethics of new technologies, data analysis and data processing, intelligent systems), a specialization certificate can be issued by the head of the programme. To apply for a specialization certificate, students must write their thesis in the respective specialization area and be credited at least 30 ECTS in coursework relating to the specialization. Available specializations will mirror the course contents; a full list and instructions for application will be published on the programme website.
In the advanced modules, different seminars on current debates and the latest research are offered each semester. These seminars will vary on a semester-by-semester basis. In this way, we ensure that our students will always encounter contemporary topics in the various research areas.
Internships can be credited as part of this programme. Studying abroad for up to a semester is also possible. In both cases, individual arrangements will be made.
University of Bayreuth offers support for students with disabilities as well as young families. For part-time students, study plans can be adjusted to a load of only 15 ECTS per semester to support students who may have other commitments such as family or part-time work. Specific arrangements can be discussed with the programme coordinator after admission.
The University of Bayreuth does not charge tuition fees. However, every student must pay the semester fee. This includes the fees for the Studentenwerk Oberfranken and the semester ticket for the use of public transport in the cities of Bayreuth and Kulmbach and in many parts of the regional transport system.
Application period
for German and EU citizens:
1 March to 15 July for winter semester
for non EU citizens:
1 March to 15 July for winter semester
Application guide
Individual information on the application process (documents, deadlines, link to the application portal)
click here for German version
A university degree in a Bachelor's degree programme with at least 180 credit points; this must include the following academic achievements or equivalent achievements:
a) for the "Philosopher's Track", a total of at least 60 credit points in the field of philosophy - of which one course each in theoretical philosophy, one course in practical philosophy and one philosophical methods course (e.g. logic, argumentation theory) or
b) for the "Computer Scientist's Track" a total of at least 60 credit points in the field of computer science - including one course in theoretical computer science, one programming course and one application course (e.g. human-machine interaction) or
c) for the "Mixed Track", a total of at least 60 credit points in the areas of philosophy and computer science - including a total of three courses on different topics from the areas of theoretical philosophy, practical philosophy and philosophical methodology (e.g. logic, argumentation theory), theoretical computer science, programming and application of computer science (e.g. human-machine interaction) or
d) for the "Development Track" a total of at least 60 credit points in the fields of philosophy and computer science - including one course each in theoretical philosophy, one course in practical philosophy and one philosophical methodology course (e.g. logic, argumentation theory), one course in theoretical computer science, one programming course and one application course (e.g. human-machine interaction)
Equivalency of the completed bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and is not determined conclusively until the application process is under way; for this reason, no information can be provided in advance
Aptitude Assessment Process
One prerequisite for admission to the programme is the passing of an aptitude assessment process (see Examination Regulations, Annex 2), which is conducted in English; it includes an evaluation of the applicant's qualifications and, if necessary, a personal interview. As part of this aptitude assessment process, you need to hand in a short essay outlining your aptitude and motivation for joining the programme with your application
ENGLISH: level B2
GERMAN: level A1 (can be acquired within the first year of study)
Applications may already be submitted before completion of the bachelor's degree; however, a total of at least 150 credit points must be earned by the time of application
The module handbook provides an overview of the various modules that must be taken in a degree programme. It contains all the important explanations on the requirements and types of module examinations as well as on the intermediate or final examinations and serves as a kind of study guide for orientation.
Examination regulations define the content and structure of a particular degree programme in a legally binding manner. They must be approved by the Ministry of Science or accredited by an accreditation agency.
Contact points in the department
Central contact points
Professorship of Philosophy, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
E-mail: philcs@uni-bayreuth.de
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