Philosophy of Science Technology and Society
Help businesses and policymakers understand how technology and society interact, so they can improve research and technological development practices.
Any part of our lives today – work, recreation, learning, communication, or travel - relies on technology. Any major institution – the state or government, economy, education, and religion – is increasingly dependent on technology, too. The Master’s in Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society (PSTS) at the University of Twente teaches you to analyse the benefits as well as dangers of modern technology such as global environmental problems from a philosophical standpoint.
How should we think about autonomous robots that make their own decisions and what could their use mean for society and for our understanding of autonomy? How can we address privacy concerns over location tracking apps? What are the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence to detect crime? You will learn to take a distinct philosophical approach to answer these and similar questions related to global challenges in today’s technologised world.
This two-year, English-taught Master’s is for any student with a background in engineering, philosophy, or social sciences who would like to take a philosophical approach to understand the impact of modern technology on society. The Master’s prepares you to examine emerging technologies so that you can help businesses and policymakers improve research and technological development. For example, how can governments become more accountable to privacy of personal data automation processes?
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
In the PSTS Master’s programme you will learn to analyse and evaluate the impact of science and technology on society from a philosophical and multidisciplinary perspective. Academics and professionals who possess these skills are in high demand on today’s job market. As a PSTS graduate, you will be able to offer employers wide-ranging expertise, combining knowledge of the latest technological developments with the skills to philosophically and methodically reflect on these technologies.
JOBS AND COMPANIES
As a graduate with a professional profile, you will be a valuable asset to both the corporate world and the government sector. Our graduates find employment in the academic world, R&D, consultancy, policy organizations and commercial companies. As a PSTS professional, you will be ideally suited for a job in:
Policy-making / government (e.g. Cogem, Rathenau Institute)
The academic world (e.g. a PhD position)
Consultancy (e.g. Tauw: environmental and civil engineering; Technopolis: innovation)
Industry / business (e.g. food, textiles, oil, chemicals, machinery, automotive, IT, communication or journalism)
Research & Development (e.g. Tecnalia Research and Innovation, Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands ECN)
ACADEMIC CAREER
If you are interested in pursuing a PhD, you may wish to consider applying for a place in one of the programmes at the Twente Graduate School: Ethics and Technology, Governance of Knowledge and Innovation (or go to the 4TU website), or Human-Centred Interaction Technologies. You might also consider one of the University of Twente’s other PhD programmes, or go on to pursue a doctorate at another university in the Netherlands or abroad.
