Philosophy & Economics (P&E) University of Bayreuth

English (100%)

The MA programme in Philosophy & Economics is targeted at students with an interest in obtaining advanced analytical and quantitative training as a foundation for pursuing research-based careers in academia, public service, and business.

In designing the degree, we had economists and philosophers in mind (as well as those with a political science or business and management studies background) who are intent on sharpening their abilities in normative reflection, deepening their knowledge of subjects they have pursued during their Bachelor’s studies, and broadening and enhancing their methodological skills in key areas relevant to both disciplines.

A modern degree for modern challenges
We see both economics and philosophy and their integration as methods for analysing allocation, distributive, and institutional mechanisms in a world that is in need of new global governance structures. Chief among these are the following pressing foundational and practical questions: What are the dimensions of equality? Does globalisation threaten social solidarity? How should we regulate migration flows? Is the international organisation of labour necessary for achieving social justice? What are the economic and moral challenges that regional trade agreements create for the WTO? What is a fair allocation of voting power in the EU? What is the best way to organise deliberation? Who bears responsibility for climate change? Should executive salaries and bonuses be capped? How do we encourage corporate social responsibility?

The Bayreuth P&E programme is the advanced degree for the national and international public policy analyst, the public servant, and the concerned business professional. Our MA programme is for the serious intellectual who wants a rigorous training that will cut across disciplines and who wants to innovate and engage with the world. It is an advanced training in the concepts and methods of social and economic justice and is a real alternative to the standard types of Master's programmes in economics, philosophy, political science, or business and management studies.

Clarity and individuality
The P&E Master's programme has a very clear structure with a set of core courses in both disciplines, a well-defined integrative philosophy & economics seminar, and a wide range of electives allowing our students to specialise according to individual interests and aptitude. Our programme will provide you with solid foundations and the opportunity to carve out your own distinctive academic and professional profile.

Research-led teaching
The mission of research-led teaching is taken seriously in the P&E programme. Courses are taught by those whose research is close to the topic. P&E faculty bring their own research to the seminar room and explore novel ideas and methods with their students in an intensive but relaxed way.

We run a rolling admissions policy. Applications for the winter semester will be accepted from 1 January onwards. We advise you to apply as early as possible.

• You can apply before you have completed your Bachelor's degree, but in such circumstances, we will only make you a conditional offer and you will have to have completed it by 1 October to enrol.
• We will accept applications from EU applicants until 31 August. Non-EU applicants are especially advised to apply not later than 15 July due to possible delays in obtaining visas, etc.

The MA programme is a demanding and graded path of training. You will study six courses that will provide you with a rigorous Master's level of training that matches international standards in the core areas of philosophy and economics.

The interdisciplinarity in which you will be trained will give you the ability to reason, reflect, and converse easily in both disciplines. You will gain the skills for applying the specialist methods and theoretical frameworks from both philosophy and economics for studying a set of problems that are relevant to both disciplines.

Compulsory modules – or what you must do:

• Ethics
• Political Philosophy
• Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Advanced Microeconomics
• Advanced Macroeconomics
• Advanced Empirical Economic Research
• The Integrative Seminar
• Research Seminars

Elective modules – or what you can do:

You must study five elective courses from any MA Module Area offered by the departments of Philosophy and Economics or any MA level course offered by cognate departments (e.g. Mathematics, Business Administration). You can concentrate on philosophy, on economics, or on a mix of the two. Additionally, you must write a MA thesis in which you demonstrate your abilities to undertake sustained, independent, and specialised research.

For more detail, please read the Module Handbook.

Double Degree Programme
P&E Bayreuth offers an innovative and exclusive PPE double degree programme together with the Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic). The double degree programme allows you to study at both universities and to obtain two degrees (from Prague and Bayreuth) within the regular study period of the MA programme (four semesters). It offers a unique possibility to study PPE in two different environments and to expand your academic, social and cultural experience beyond Bayreuth.

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

Qualification
A degree (or completed course of studies) with an examination grade of “2.0” or better in the Bachelor’s programmes Economics, Philosophy & Economics, or International Economics & Development at the University of Bayreuth, or an equivalent degree

Equivalence
Determining the equivalence 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. If you have any questions regarding admission, please contact pe-master@uni-bayreuth.de.

Aptitude Assessment Process
An aptitude assessment process is carried out if the applicant's average grade for the degree is worse than "2.0" to "2.3" (see Examination Regulations, Annex 2). It includes an evaluation of the applicant's qualifications and, if necessary, a personal interview.

Language Proficiency
English and German (details see below)

Applying Without a Degree Certificate
Applications may already be submitted before completion of the Bachelor's degree. However, a total of at least 150 credits and a minimum grade of "good" (2.0) are required by the time of application. If the applicant's average grade is below "2.0" to "2.3" and if it is mathematically possible that the degree does not meet the required average grade, an aptitude assessment process is carried out.

Special Conditions
Conditional admission is not offered for this programme.

You must have an excellent command of written and spoken English (level B2). Applicants must provide proof of basic German language skills (CEFR Level A1) within one year after enrolment.

We run a rolling admissions policy. Applications for the winter semester will be accepted from 1 January onwards. We advise you to apply as early as possible.

• You can apply before you have completed your Bachelor's degree, but in such circumstances, we will only make you a conditional offer and you will have to have completed it by 1 October to enrol.
• We will accept applications from EU applicants until 31 August. Non-EU applicants are especially advised to apply not later than 15 July due to possible delays in obtaining visas, etc.

No

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching

Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.

The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 12,000 students (19% internationals). Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.

We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools, are conducted in English. There are presently around 2,500 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.

Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2025 THE ranking, the University of Bayreuth achieved the top position 31 among the 1,000 best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.

For a closer look at our university, have a look here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en.

Welcome to Bavaria!
75,000 people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 12,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.

Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.

A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.

Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a wide variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two and a half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.

Why you should study in Bayreuth: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/study-in-bayreuth

Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!