*MA Program in Logic and Philosophy of Science at LMU Munich*
http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/students/ma/index.html
*Deadline for application for the 2013-2014 academic year: July 15th, 2013*
Studying Logic and Philosophy of Science at the LMU Munich:
Since October 2012 the Faculty of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Study of Religion at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich is running an international MA program in Logic and Philosophy of Science.
LMU has a long-standing tradition in logic and philosophy of science. In recent years this tradition has been revived through the foundation of the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP: http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/index.html), and by Hannes Leitgeb and Stephan Hartmann moving to the LMU to take, respectively, the chair in logic and philosophy of language and the chair in philosophy of science. Both Leitgeb and Hartmann have been awarded an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship by the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. They are now working together to co-direct the MCMP.
The MCMP hosts a lively community of university faculty, MCMP fellows, students, and visitors. The MA students will be able to take part in a great number of academic activities at LMU. The MCMP itself is hosting two weekly research seminars on the topics of logic, philosophy of science, and mathematical philosophy from visiting speakers – while also we get to hear what our own members are working on during our internal work-in-progress seminars. In addition, the MCMP regularly organizes reading groups, workshops, and conferences. See the MCMP website for details.
We have strong ties to similar institutions internationally, in Germany and in Munich. We regularly host visitors who do their research at our Center or who teach here. Additionally, the journal Erkenntnis (http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/erkenntnis/index.html) is based at the MCMP.
Overall, the Faculty of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Study of Religion at LMU is one of the largest in the German-speaking world. It covers all areas of philosophy and has a strong interdisciplinary approach towards subjects like physics, neuroscience, mathematics, statistics, linguistics, computer science, and more.
The MA Program details:
- MA website: http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/students/ma/index.html
- Questions and contact: Olivier Roy (Program Coordinator): olivier.roy@lmu.de
- Language of program and courses: English.
- Next starting date: October 14th, 2013 (Beginning of the Winter Semester). Unless in case of transfer from other MA programs, there is no admission to the MA in Logic and Philosophy of Science in the summer semester.
- Duration: The MA is a two-year (four semesters, 120 ECTS) program. We are also working on introducing a one-year option, but this doesn’t apply for 2013.
- The MA is primarily aimed at preparing doctoral research in philosophy. It is, however, a self-standing degree which can be taken as such, or in preparation for doctoral research in other disciplines (computer sciences, linguistics, etc…)
- Structure: In each semester, all students in the program attend a compulsory MA seminar (the “Master’s Colloquium”). Beyond that, students can choose from a broad range of additional courses in logic, philosophy of science, and related areas until their final semester. The final semester is devoted to writing a MA thesis.
- Entry requirements: Academically, an average mark in one’s undergraduate studies of at least 2,0 in the German system is required (which corresponds to at least an upper second-class honours degree in the British system or the international equivalent). It is possible to apply for a place in the program even if one has not yet finished an undergraduate degree. In such a case we would make a conditional offer. The program is not just open to philosophy and logic undergraduates, but also to undergraduates from relevant scientific disciplines such as: mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, computer science, engineering, economics, linguistics, psychology, cognitive science, the social sciences or related disciplines.
If your first language is not English and you do not have a degree from an English-speaking university, you will need to supply us with evidence of your language skills as far as speaking and writing in English is concerned. We demand at least a 6.5 in all IELTS bands (or equivalent).
- Fees and financial support: Every student at LMU has to pay EUR 500 per semester for their studies. We will be able to award, on the basis of track record, a limited number of entry grants consisting of a tax-free, monthly stipend of EUR 1000 for one year. The possibility of extension for another year is subject to positive review after the first year. If you are interested in applying for an entry grant please say so in your cover letter.
- Application: We will accept applications until July 15th, 2013, but we strongly recommend to apply before that date. Please submit your application electronically to the program coordinator (olivier.roy@lmu.de) with “Application MA in Logic and Philosophy of Science” as the subject.
Your application package should include:
(1) A cover letter in which you explain why you would like to join the program. If you wish to apply for an entry grant please mention it explicitly in the letter.
(2) A CV (including the list of courses that you have taken as an undergraduate).
(3) A copy of your undergraduate final grade certificate or transcript.
(4) A seminar paper or published article that you have written, the subject of which can vary. It should give evidence of clear thinking, systematicity, logical argumentation, and an awareness of methodological questions, which are all particularly relevant to our MA program.
(5) Two letters of reference, which should also address your special potential in the very areas that are covered by our MA program.
(6) Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent), in case your first language is not English and you do not have a degree from an English-speaking university.
If necessary, applicants may also be interviewed. If you have questions about that part of the application process, please contact the program coordinator (olivier.roy@lmu.de).
Secondly, and in addition, please apply simultaneously to the International Affairs Office at LMU which will check for general requirements that concern Master studies at LMU in general. At http://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/students/degree/downloads2/index.html you can download the set of application documents for Master degrees at LMU. There you will also find information about which documents to submit to the International Affairs Office, how to submit them, and whom you can contact about this other part of the application process in case of questions.