History and Philosophy of Science

The History and Philosophy of Science program at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of the development and conceptual foundations of science from ancient times to the present day. This interdisciplinary course combines historical analysis with philosophical inquiry, allowing students to critically examine how scientific ideas have evolved, the nature of scientific knowledge, and the philosophical questions surrounding scientific methodology and scientific realism. Students will engage with key debates such as the demarcation problem, the scientific method, the role of experimentation, and the philosophical implications of modern scientific theories, including quantum mechanics and relativity. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to evaluate scientific theories within broader historical and philosophical contexts. Coursework includes lectures, seminars, and independent research, guiding students to develop a nuanced understanding of the history and philosophy of various scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, and social sciences. Throughout the course, students will examine the impact of scientific discoveries on society and how cultural, political, and ethical factors influence scientific progress. The program also explores contemporary issues such as the philosophy of biological science, the ethics of scientific research, and the role of science in public policy. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the ability to analyze scientific developments critically, articulate well-informed arguments, and contribute thoughtfully to discussions in science, philosophy, and related fields. This program is ideal for students interested in the intellectual history of science, philosophy of scientific concepts, or careers in academia, science communication, or science policy. With a flexible curriculum and access to world-class faculty, students are encouraged to pursue independent research projects that align with their interests, making this program a rigorous and intellectually stimulating experience designed to deepen understanding of how science shapes and is shaped by human thought and society.

The programme provides broad-based training in the history of science, the philosophy of science, and an “integrated history and philosophy of science”. The historical coverage is broad, from antiquity to the present, while the philosophical coverage spans causality and the philosophy of medicine as well as the metaphysics of chemistry and computer science.

MSc students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (15 credits), four optional modules (60 credits), three ancillary modules (45 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).

The Postgraduate Diploma programme consists of one core module (15 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and three ancillary modules (45 credits), available in full time mode.

The Postgraduate Certificate programme consists of one core module (15 credits) and three optional modules (45 credits), available in full time mode

Core modules

• Introduction to Science and Technology Studies

Optional modules

Students choose four options from the following:

• Science in the 19th Century
• Material Culture and Science in the 18th Century
• Early Modern Science
• Medieval Science and Medicine in Global Perspective
• Science in Antiquity
• Causality, Mechanism, and Classification in Science
• Knowledge, Evidence, and Explanation in Science
• Science, Art, and Philosophy
• Special Topics Seminar in History and Philosophy of Science
• One optional module from our sister MSc programme, Science, Technology, and Society,
• may be substituted here provided it contributes to a coherent programme of study.

Ancillary Modules

• Students choose three ancillary modules which may be options from our degrees,
• e.g. Science in the 20th Century and Beyond, and Curating the History of Science
• or they might be selected from any other programme at UCL.
• Module descriptions can be found on the STS website

Dissertation/research project

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials and research supervision. Student performance is assessed through coursework such as long and short essays, advocacy work and project work.

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Wellcome Trust Scholarship

The History and Philosophy of Science programme at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of the development of scientific ideas and the philosophical questions surrounding scientific methods and knowledge. This interdisciplinary course is designed for students interested in understanding the historical context of scientific discoveries, the philosophical debates about the nature of scientific theories, and the impact of science on society and culture. The programme provides a unique opportunity to examine key figures and milestones in the history of science, from ancient to modern times, and to analyze the philosophical underpinnings of scientific practice. Students engage with topics such as scientific realism and anti-realism, explanation and understanding in science, the demarcation problem, and the ethical implications of scientific research. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, and independent research, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills. Students also have access to UCL’s extensive resources, including archives and libraries specializing in the history and philosophy of science. Throughout the programme, there is an emphasis on developing clear writing and argumentation skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, science communication, policy-making, or other fields where an understanding of scientific concepts and their philosophical foundations is valuable. The programme often includes opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, workshops, and guest lectures by leading scholars. Graduates of this course are well-equipped to pursue advanced research, contribute to public understanding of science, or engage in careers requiring critical analysis of scientific knowledge and its societal implications. The programme’s diverse approach ensures that students gain a broad understanding of the ways in which science and philosophy intersect, fostering a reflective perspective on the role of science in shaping human understanding and progress.