Interdisciplinary Studies of Science
FsB vom 01.08.2023
The master’s degree programme Interdisciplinary Studies of Sciences (ISoS) focuses on studies of science and aims to illuminate and make explicit the modes, conditions and consequences of science in society combining perspectives from the history, economics, sociology, and philosophy of science. The objective is to analyse how science produces knowledge, under which economic conditions it operates, and how it is embedded in society in the past and present.
Sociology of science investigates the interrelations between science and its societal context. Philosophy of science analyses how science works and why it is successful. In doing so, it also considers ethical-social dimensions of science. History of science traces the historical development of science in its continuities and ruptures, and points out their significance for economy and society. These disciplinary approaches complement each other and together contribute to a better understanding of science.
The programme deepens your understanding of scientific work in the humanities and social sciences. It is explicitly targeted at promoting interdisciplinary skills. In addition to the ability to conduct research by applying pertinent methods, the courses also enable you to identify potentials for innovation, sets of problems and strategies of problem-solving at the interface of science and society. Additionally, the programme offers a diverse range of experiences and perspectives through the courses in the natural or social sciences, as well as a semester abroad and an internship. This interdisciplinary interlinkage between science studies in the humanities and social sciences with natural sciences is unique in Germany.
Possible career opportunities are in science management and university administration. Other fields of activity can be found in science policy, ethics committees, management consultancy, foundations, publication, public relations, science journalism, or science and corporate communication.
The courses
The courses
You will find the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV.
An overview of the introductory and information events is provided by the central student counselling services.
Formalities / Important information
Course start
Course start
Studies can be commenced in both winter and summer semesters. Courses are targeted to commencing studies in winter semester. Student counselling to plan the course of studies is recommended.
Length and scope of studies
Length and scope of studies
The standard period of studies is 4 semesters.
The studies Interdisciplinary Studies of Science comprise 120 credit points.
Access requirements
Access requirements
Access to the Master programme is granted to those who can provide evidence that they have a first university degree which has a standard period of study of at least six semesters, qualifies for exercising a profession and is in accordance with the subject-specific regulations.
In any case, please read the specific Admission requirements for this Masters programme in the Subject-specific regulations (PDF).
Degrees from accredited Bachelor programmes at German ‘Berufsakademien’ are equivalent to Bachelor degrees from universities.
Applicants with a university degree obtained abroad are granted access provided that the degree they have acquired is deemed sufficient for this purpose and they can provide evidence of the required language skills.
Further information on required language skills
Application, admission and enrolment 1
Application, admission and enrolment
The study places for this degree programme are not subject to any admission restrictions (numerus clausus). Nevertheless, you need to apply within the currently applicable application deadlines.
As soon as you receive a positive response in the application and status portal (notice of access from the faculty), you can submit your application for enrolment within the set deadline. If you are already enrolled at Bielefeld University, you need to apply for a change of degree programme.
You can find more detailed information on the application process as well as information on the enrolment procedure on the pages of the Student Office.
To the application portal
Further links
Further links
Internet pages of the subject Interdisciplinary Studies of Science
Internet pages of the responsible institution(s):
Department of Philosophy with the courses offered
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Die Angaben zu Zulassungsbeschränkungen / Numerus clausus beziehen sich auf die Bewerbung zum Wintersemester 2024/25 und Sommersemester 2025. Informationen zu NC Werten aus früheren Jahren finden Sie auf dieser Seite.
Sidebar
More information
List of modules (study content) Programme of lectures (eKVV) Examination and Study Regulations for the Master's Programme Subject-specific regulations (PDF) Quality report Interdisciplinary Studies of Science (PDF)All contact persons for the subject:
Student Counselling Service Academic Student Counselling Service Examination Office Contact Point for Credit Recognition Persons responsible for modules
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