The MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth exploration of the conceptual, historical, and philosophical foundations of science and medicine. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who wish to analyze and critically examine the development of scientific ideas, medical practices, and technological innovations through a philosophical lens, while also engaging with their historical contexts. Throughout the course, students will critically assess key issues such as the nature of scientific explanation, the structure of scientific theories, the role of experiments and evidence, as well as ethical considerations in medicine and biomedical research. The program emphasizes rigorous scholarly research, encouraging students to develop their analytical skills through literature reviews, essays, and a substantial research dissertation. It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of scientific thought from the early modern period to contemporary debates, integrating perspectives from history, philosophy, and science. The curriculum offers a range of modules spanning topics like the history of medicine, philosophy of science, philosophy of medicine, and scientific methodology, supplemented by seminars, tutorials, and close supervision from leading academics in the field. This program is ideal for students aiming to pursue doctoral research, careers in academia, or roles in science policy, ethics, and communication. Studying at Cambridge provides access to exceptional resources, including a rich collection of historical archives, scientific and philosophical libraries, and active research communities. Graduates of this program will be equipped with a robust understanding of the development of scientific ideas and medical practices, along with critical skills to analyze contemporary scientific and medical challenges.

The MPhil programme is administered by the MPhil Manager, who meets all new MPhil students as a group in early October, then sees each of the students individually to discuss their proposed essay and dissertation topics. The Manager is responsible for finding appropriate supervisors for each of these topics; the supervisors are then responsible for helping the student do the research and writing needed for the essays and the dissertation. Students will see each of their supervisors frequently; the MPhil Manager sees each student at regular intervals during the year to discuss progress and offer help and advice.

Supervisions are designed to provide students with the opportunity to set their own agenda for their studies. The supervisor's job is to support the student's research, not to grade their work – supervisors are formally excluded from the examination process.

Feedback

Students receive independent reports from two examiners on each of their three essays and the dissertation.

Assessment

Thesis

MPhil students submit a dissertation of up to 15,000 words at the end of Easter Term. Examiners may request an oral examination but this is not normally required.

Students are also assessed by three essays of up to 5,000 words each, on a subject provided by the Degree Committee.

Students are permitted to write their dissertation in the same general area as one of their essays. In such cases the dissertation and essay have to address different questions, and the dissertation must give evidence of a substantial new research effort.

Essays

Students submit three essays, each of up to 5,000 words each.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Statement of Interests. The statement of interests, of about 600 words, should indicate which subject areas you would pursue in the MPhil. Please tell us about possible essay and dissertation topics you might pursue on the course, why you are interested in them, and some preliminary ideas about how you might carry them out. We will not treat the statement as a formal proposal but it will help us understand your motivations for taking the MPhil and how well prepared you are for graduate-level research. You may also include a preliminary PhD research proposal if you are planning to continue to the PhD after completing the MPhil course.
• Sample of Work.You should submit one or more examples of your written work, such as essays or a dissertation, in areas relevant to the graduate study you wish to pursue. An essay written specially for the Cambridge application is acceptable, but you should indicate if this is the case. The writing samples must be entirely your own work, fully referenced and in English. There is no word limit.
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

The financing of the History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine program at the University of Cambridge is primarily supported through a combination of government funding, university scholarships, bursaries, and external financial aid options. Prospective students are encouraged to explore several sources of financial support to help fund their studies. The UK government offers specific student loans for undergraduate programs, which are available to UK residents and European Union students meeting certain residency criteria. These loans typically cover tuition fees and provide living cost support, and they are repaid according to income-based repayment schemes after graduation.

Additionally, the University of Cambridge provides various internal scholarships and bursaries aimed at both domestic and international students. These awards are based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. For example, the Cambridge Trust offers a range of scholarships that can significantly offset tuition fees and living expenses. Furthermore, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is available for outstanding international applicants and covers full-costs, including tuition, stipend, accommodation, and travel.

Students are also encouraged to seek external funding, including government-sponsored scholarships from their home countries, private foundations, and international educational organizations. Many of these external awards are merit-based but may also require demonstration of financial need or commitment to certain professional goals.

Part-time work opportunities are available for students on the program, subject to visa regulations for international students, and can assist in covering living expenses. The university's Careers Service offers support for students seeking part-time employment and internships related to their fields of study.

Finally, students are advised to carefully review the funding options and application deadlines well in advance of their intended start date to ensure they secure necessary financial resources. Detailed information about available scholarships, grants, and loans can be obtained directly from the University of Cambridge's official financial aid website and the admissions office.

The Philosophy and History of Science and Medicine program at the University of Cambridge offers students a comprehensive exploration of the historical development, philosophical foundations, and contemporary issues related to science and medicine. This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide a deep understanding of how scientific knowledge has evolved and how philosophical questions influence scientific practices and medical practices today. Students engage with a diverse range of topics, including the history of scientific ideas, the methodology of scientific inquiry, ethical considerations in medicine, and the nature of scientific reasoning. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to evaluate scientific claims, philosophical arguments, and historical contexts rigorously. Through lectures, seminars, and independent research, students explore key figures and paradigms that have shaped modern science and medicine, from ancient philosophies to current technological innovations. The curriculum often includes studying the philosophy of biology, physics, and medicine, as well as examining the social and cultural impacts of scientific discoveries. The program prepares students for careers in academia, research, science communication, or policy-making related to science and health. It also offers excellent opportunities for collaborative projects with affiliated research centers and access to extensive library resources. The program's structure is designed to be flexible, accommodating students from various backgrounds with prior interests in philosophy, history, medicine, or science. Graduates from this program acquire a nuanced understanding of complex issues at the intersection of science, medicine, and philosophy, equipping them with skills applicable across many professional fields.