Application
What you need
The most important prerequisite for applying to this program is having a strong interest in contemporary societal issues raised by new technologies. Apart from that, you’ll need:
- a Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) in computer science, philosophy, or a related field; applicants with interdisciplinary degrees in, e.g., cognitive science or computational linguistics, are also welcome to apply;
- an up-to-date transcript of records;
- a short essay outlining your reasons for choosing the Philosophy and Computer Science program, the competencies that qualify you for the program and how you plan to expand them through the program (max. 500 words);
- excellent command of written and spoken English (level B2);
- basic German (level A1, can be acquired within the first year of study).
In case you are unsure whether you qualify, do not hesitate to contact us.
Application Procedure
Rather than based on previous grades, we select students by an aptitude test. It consists in an assessment of your individual academic qualifications, background knowledge, personal motivation, and language skills. Such an individual assessment is necessary due to the interdisciplinary nature of our program. The purpose is not only to ensure candidates are qualified to enter this program but also to determine what track they should take.
Evaluation of Application Documents
During the first step, the admission committee will examine your application documents (CV, essay, certificates).
- We check whether you meet the language requirements, whether your previous degree qualifies you to enter the P&CS program, and if so in what track.
- In your essay, we are looking at how you present your current knowledge in philosophy and/or computer science and how you motivate your choice to study P&CS and at the competencies you describe. We are examining what specific topics and questions you raise and how these relate to the program’s content. Apart from that, we asses clarity and quality of language, structure, and argumentation skills.
Depending on the outcome of this process you might be directly admitted or rejected. If we cannot make a final decision based on your documents alone, you will be invited to an interview.
Interview
Where application documents are not conclusive, candidates may be invited to participate in an interview. Interviews usually take between 15 and 30 minutes per candidate. They are conducted in English and can be held remotely. They aim to clarify whether applicants have the required skills and background knowledge in philosophy and/or computer science as well as adequate language skills.
When to apply
The program only accepts new students in the winter semester (starting in October). Applications will be accepted from 1 March onwards. The application period runs until 15 July, some documents may be submitted late (in August, see application portal for details). However, we advise you to apply as early as possible.
- We run a rolling admission procedure. That means, the sooner your documents are in, the sooner you will hear back from us. For international applicants especially this is critical to ensure enough time for visa processing, etc.
- Applicants with degrees from outside the EU will have to go through a fee-based procedure with uni-assist to process their application documents. If this applies to you, we strongly advise you to start your application process no later than early May to ensure there is enough processing time.
- 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 enroll.
How to apply
All applications are to be submitted through the CAMPUSonline portal of the University of Bayreuth. Detailed information on the required documents can be found within the portal. Please select from the links below: German citizens and anyone holding either a German Abitur or a German Bachlor's degree, please follow link 1. All others should choose from links 2a and 2b based on citizenship (independently of whether they have previously been educated within or outside the EU).