Modern information technologies — from deepfakes and generative systems to medical imaging, smart environments and large-scale surveillance — raise urgent social, ethical, epistemic and institutional questions. This interdisciplinary English‑taught Master’s programme in Bayreuth trains a new generation of researchers and critical practitioners to engage those challenges. It pairs rigorous philosophical inquiry with hands‑on computational training so students can both analyse the conceptual implications of technology and help design or evaluate technical systems.
The curriculum balances foundational study and research‑oriented teaching. Philosophy modules address ethical, epistemological and metaphysical questions about computer-based systems as well as their social, political and legal consequences. Computer science modules cover how modern software is developed, from algorithmic programming to machine learning, and include practical work on real applications. Topics include AI, machine learning, generative models, recommender systems, agent interaction, and automated decision‑making.
Graduates are prepared to identify and respond to the technical, social and institutional issues raised by contemporary information technology and are well suited for leadership roles across public and private sectors. Depending on the specialisation a student chooses, the degree awarded may be an MSc or an MA. For further details, prospective international students can consult the programme website, watch trial lectures available on edX, or follow the P&CS community on Instagram.
This four-semester, full-time Master’s programme is worth 120 ECTS (30 ECTS per semester) and combines coursework in philosophy and computer science. In the first year students are placed into one of four background-specific tracks; each track builds a shared foundation across both disciplines so everyone gains core philosophical and technical competencies. In the second year the curriculum shifts toward elective specialist classes, allowing you to deepen expertise in particular intersections of the two fields.
Your choice of advanced modules and the topic of your Master’s thesis determine the orientation of your degree: graduates may be awarded either an MA (emphasising philosophy) or an MSc (emphasising computer science). In addition to the degree, you can earn a certificate in a chosen specialisation area. The programme website provides a full overview and sample study plans, and trial lectures are available on edX so you can preview teaching style and content.
Teaching is interdisciplinary and research-led: courses use innovative methods and a range of examination formats to foster both conceptual and practical skills. The teaching staff are active researchers, and the university hosts numerous international experts and research groups working on foundational themes at the intersection of digital technology, data and AI. Key research and teaching topics include Intelligent Systems; Ethics of New Technologies; Policy & Regulation; Data Analysis & Data Processing; Machine Learning & Computation; and Human–Computer Interaction. Graduates leave with the ability to analyse philosophical questions about technology alongside rigorous technical competence, preparing them for research, policy, or technology-focused careers.
Concise factual points
This master's programme looks for applicants who are motivated by the societal questions raised by emerging technologies and who can bring an interdisciplinary perspective. Candidates should hold a relevant undergraduate qualification and be prepared to study in English while acquiring basic German during their studies. International applicants whose degrees were earned outside the EU should be aware of an additional document-checking procedure handled via uni-assist.
Before applying, review the programme website and the uni-assist information for detailed guidance on submission procedures and any fees that may apply.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
For step-by-step application instructions and the uni-assist document checklist, please consult the programme website and the uni-assist information pages.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles that require both technical understanding and ethical, legal or policy insight into digital technologies. Typical paths include positions in industry (AI and tech companies), public sector and regulatory bodies, policy and consultancy roles, research and academia, and ethics or compliance teams within organisations.
The combination of computational skills and philosophical training is especially valuable for jobs that involve algorithmic accountability, AI governance, digital policy-making, interdisciplinary research projects, and leadership roles where technical decisions intersect with societal impact.
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