Interdisciplinary Studies of Science
Overview
Contents of the subject Interdisciplinary Studies of Science
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.
Contact persons
Advantages of the subject at Bielefeld University
Career prospects
International focus
English-language course
What are the 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 the application process for prospective international students and the language requirements.
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
What formalities are important?
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
The standard period of studies is 4 semesters. Information on studying part time.
The studies Interdisciplinary Studies of Science comprise 120 credit points.
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.
Step by step to a Master programme without NC
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
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.
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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2026/27 and summer semester 2027.
Information on NC values from previous years