History & Philosophy of Science and Logic (HPS+Logic) Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Courses are held English. In addition, a small number of optional courses are offered in German.

History & Philosophy of Science and Logic (HPS+Logic) is a four-semester programme leading to the degree MA ("Master of Arts"). HPS+Logic focuses on the reflection of science in theoretical, historical and socio-cultural terms as well as with respect to its logical-rational foundations and formal methods and tools. Compared to previous HPS+Logic programmes in Germany and abroad, HPS+Logic is characterised by its integrative structure, since it includes logic as well as cultural and social science sub-disciplines in the curriculum. HPS+Logic is addressed to Bachelor's degree holders both from the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and the humanities.

Under the leadership of the Institute for Philosophy, the following disciplines contribute to the course programme of HPS+Logic: History, German Studies, General and Comparative Literature, Media Studies, Educational Science, Social Sciences, Law, Computer Science, and Medicine. This results in a course programme that is probably unique in its diversity (about 60-70 courses each semester). Based on this diversity, the students of HPS+Logic are trained to become "bridge builders" between the humanities and the natural or computer sciences. They are enabled to understand the challenges of contemporary knowledge-based societies in their complexity and to reflect them normatively and with analytical precision.

15 March (summer semester) and 15 September (winter semester) (EU students)

15 January (summer semester) and 15 July (winter semester) (non-EU students)

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The programme maintains co-operations with partner programmes at the University Utrecht, the University of Vienna, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM, Mexico City).

If in the third semester students decide to undertake the "Praxis module", they get the chance to do a three-month internship in a science-related field (e.g. foundations, museums, ministries, science service providers, university administrations, publishing houses, editorial offices, etc.). In recent years, HPS+Logic has established a number of contacts with various science-related organisations, through which internships can be organised. But of course, students can also look for a suitable internship on their own, and HPS+Logic and its staff are happy to help with this.

No tuition fees

Students have to pay a social contribution fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in Germany (https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/re-registration-and-social-contribution).

There is no restricted admission for HPS+Logic (i.e., no "numerus clausus"). In order to study HPS+Logic, in addition to other documents, a motivational essay must be submitted in which the applicant explains why she or he wants to study HPS+Logic (see application details on the homepage of the programme).

The programme is operated in English. Potential students whose mother tongue is not English have to present sufficient skills of the English language (level B2 according to the following website: http://www.europaeischer-referenzrahmen.de/sprachniveau.php; English version: https://www.examenglish.com/CEFR/cefr.php) either via appropriate certificates (TOEFL, at least 88 points or equivalent tests, please have a look here: http://www.zfa.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sprachen/englisch/index.html.en) or eight to nine years of English in school (with a high school certificate / "Abitur").

15 March (summer semester) and 15 September (winter semester) (EU students)

15 January (summer semester) and 15 July (winter semester) (non-EU students)

Students with outstanding academic performance who are involved in special social activities can receive 300 EUR per month for a year from the Ruhr-Universität Scholarship Fund "Deutschlandstipendium": https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/deutschlandstipendium-informationen-fuer-studierende. International students with good to very good academic performance who need financial support during the final phase of study can apply for different grants offered by the "International Office": https://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/stipendien-des-international-office.