P&E at a glance
- The original P&E program on the European continent: 20 years of experience.
- True integration of Philosophy and Economics: joint teaching form both disciplines & direct application of theory to concrete economic and social problems.
- Personalized approach: small seminars & direct contact with the professors (“open door policy”)
- No tuition fees. Low cost of living.
- Bilingual program: smooth entry for non-German speakers
- Large and active student community.
- A network of about 1000 P&E graduates: a stepping stone for a future career.
- Exceptional placement record: Master &
PhD placements at Oxford, Harvard, and MIT. Employment placement at leading companies, NGOs and public agencies.
Integration: The Key to the P&E Program
Philosophy & Economics should not just be studied in parallel but in true combination. Nowhere else do the teachers of both disciplines work together more closely than here in Bayreuth. We have been teaching together since 2000. This is key in training the next generation of decision-makers who will face the challenges of growing income inequality, climate change, mass migration, and new technologies.
Not just a number: Direct contact with Professors and Lecturers
In Bayreuth, we strongly believe in the value of direct contact between students, staffs and professors. Our approach to teaching is personalized and non-hierarchical, based on a combination of interactive lectures and discussion seminars. Outside the lecture halls, we practice what we call an “open-door policy”: students are always welcome to drop by and discuss with the professors any academic topic they like.
No tuition fees, low cost of living
Studying in Bayreuth is not a financial burden. There are no tuition fees. Yes, you read correctly! We offer a world-class degree for free. Our students only pay minimal fees (< 200 euros/year) for which they get full access to university facilities and public transport. Bayreuth is not only a lively university town, but it also has a much lower cost of living than larger cities in Germany.
A Flexibly Bilingual Program
The P&E program is officially bilingual. Some courses and lectures are offered in English, some in German. This allows native German speakers to get early on the opportunity to improve their English writing and communication skills. Non-native German speakers can choose from a wide variety of courses taught in English and gradually and flexibly integrate German ones in their curriculum. Admission to the program requires a “B1” level of German proficiency.
The “P&E family”
Studying Philosophy and Economics in Bayreuth means being part of an active and socially engaged student community. Alongside numerous academic activities in and around the program (Wittgenstein lecture, Research Forum, etc), our students lead flagship social initiatives like the Bayreuther Dialogue (website), and many others.
After P&E: A Network of about 1000 graduates to support your next steps
As of today, about 1000 P&E graduates are already tackling fundamental questions in private firms, the financial sector, governmental and non-governmental organizations, in science and in the media. This broad network is an irreplaceable resource in planning and reaching your career goals. Thanks to our alumni association, the Foerderverein, the contact with our graduates start on day one of your study in
Career and Placement: A continuing tradition of excellence
Studying P&E in Bayreuth is your gateway towards high-profile academic programs and careers. Each year we place students in the best institutions worldwide (Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, LSE, etc…), not only in “pure” economics or in “pure” philosophy programs, but in a broad array of interdisciplinary avenues like international or development studies, public policy and governance, finance, or business administration. This tradition of excellence in placement is ensured by giving to our students, already in the course of the program, prestigious internship opportunities and options for semesters abroad.