PhilInBioMed | Master degree on Philosophy in Biology and Medicine

General Info

Applications open to the Bordeaux Master in Philosophy in Biology and Medicine (deadline March 27)! The international program is targeted at philosophy and science students interested in integrating both approaches in fields like cancer, immunology, neuroscience, aging.

Key Facts

• Format: MA
• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
• Credits : 120 credits ECTS
• Location: Bordeaux, France
• Language: English
• Eligible applicants: international
• Application: See application details.

The program in a nutshell

Picture yourself as part of a small community of like-minded philosophy students with a strong taste for science. You all share a workspace in the middle of an immunology lab, where biologists and clinicians come and go in their lab coats: This is your environment.

Along with you are philosophers of science who will share their research, support you in your development, and include you in the network of collaborations they themselves have already established with scientists in Bordeaux and beyond.

Renowned scholars regularly visit the laboratory for talks and discussion. Specific meetings for students are planned where you can talk to them and ask any question. International conferences and summer schools are organized—and you can be among the organizers.

In addition, leading philosophers of science and scientists come to the lab for extended periods and teach as part of the master’s program. For example, we had Paul Griffiths (University of Sydney, Australia) as visiting professor in 2023 and Carl Craver (Washington University, St. Louis, USA) in 2024.

In this program, you will learn how to seriously engage with scientific problems as a philosopher of science. You will acquire a high level of competence, in particular exceptional reading and writing skills, which will enable you to publish in both philosophical and scientific journals. By the end of the master you will have written, and hopefully also published, your first article. In addition, the master provides access to an exceptional network of researchers around the world. This will give you the best chances of obtaining an excellent doctoral position.

Program Details

Admission Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent in Philosophy, Biology, Medicine, or another relevant scientific field
• Proficiency in English equivalent to C1 according to CEFR
• A strong, documented interest in theoretical biology or philosophy of science

Duration

• Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS), or only 1 year under exceptional circumstances
• Level: Master’s degree

Strengths of the Program

• Offers a new vision of philosophy as a tool for scientific research
• Teaches how philosophers can productively collaborate with scientists
• Embedded within a top-level international networks in philosophy, biology, and medicine

Application Process

If you are interested, please contact the program coordinator Maël Lemoine . He will answer your questions about the details of the application procedure and other questions you may have about the organization of the program.

Applications should include:

• A motivation letter
• A CV
• A writing sample within the scope of the master program (e.g. an idea for a research project)

Deadline for applications is March 27, 2026. Late applications may be accepted but will not be eligible for regular consideration.

Registration Fees

Registration fees are the same for all students (whether French, European or non-European students): €92.00 + €243.00 per year [amounts for 2024/25].

Source and more details: https://philinbiomed.cnrs.fr/teaching/