Master in Science Studies

Master in Science Studies is one of 13 English-taught Science programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 7 institutions. 13 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 2,400 to EUR 17,300; this programme lists EUR 16,300 a year. 11 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

Science Studies at Aarhus University is a two-year full-time master's programme taught in English. It is for students with a BSc in science who want to see how scientific knowledge is made and used in society. Note that from 2025 Aarhus University will no longer admit new students to this programme.

What you study

The programme adds a wider perspective to your science degree. You work with four themes: history and philosophy of science; science, technology and innovation; science and society; and science and communication. You learn to place scientific knowledge in a historical, philosophical and social context, and to understand the forces that drive technological change and how the public understands science.

How the programme is organised

The degree counts 120 ECTS. In your first week you plan your own individual study programme with help from a teacher at the Centre for Science Studies, choosing courses from a course catalogue. The plan must be approved by the Board of Studies before you can take examinations. You specialise in one of the four topics through course activities and projects, and you write a thesis of 30 or 60 ECTS. Teaching mixes lectures with theoretical and practical exercises in small groups. The centre is small and informal, with close contact between staff and students, and you can take part in projects linked to current research. Master's students have access to a shared office or a study area in the institute's library, and the institute runs workshops on thesis writing.

Who it suits

This programme suits you if you have a BSc in science and want to understand the social and philosophical side of your field. You should be willing to work independently and to ask questions during lectures and exercises. The teaching focuses on independence, critical thinking and collaboration, and you are expected to take responsibility for your own study plan.

Admission, language and next steps

You need a bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS. The specific requirement is either 90 ECTS in natural sciences, or 60 ECTS in science studies plus 30 ECTS in natural sciences. Direct admission is given to certain Danish bachelor's degrees, including the Bachelor's degree programme in Science Studies from Aarhus University. There is no legal right of admission from any Aarhus University bachelor's programme. Intake is limited, and applicants are ranked on grades from the qualifying degree, grades in relevant subject fields (natural sciences, science studies, history of science and technology, history, science communication, philosophy) and the proportion of ECTS in those fields. You must meet the university's English language requirements. Apply through the institution. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge; other students pay a fee set by the institution.

Master’s applications go straight to Aarhus University, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.