History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge offers an interdisciplinary and intellectually rigorous exploration of the development of scientific ideas, practices, and institutions throughout history. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and philosophical foundations of science, allowing them to critically examine the nature of scientific knowledge, the dynamics of scientific change, and the ethical implications of scientific advances. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including the history of specific scientific fields such as physics, biology, and medicine, as well as broader themes like the relationship between science and society, the role of scientific explanation and methodology, and the influence of cultural and philosophical values on scientific progress. The program combines historical analysis with philosophical inquiry, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding the complexities of scientific practice.

Students will have opportunities to investigate key figures and movements in the history of science, analyze primary source materials, and develop their own research projects under expert supervision. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from history, philosophy, sociology, and science studies to provide a well-rounded education. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, science communication, policy advising, research, and education, or for pursuing further postgraduate studies. The program is designed for students interested in the conceptual foundations of science as well as its historical development, and it encourages an active engagement with both philosophical debates and historical evidence. Throughout the course, students will develop vital skills in argumentation, critical analysis, and scholarly presentation, preparing them for a wide variety of intellectually demanding careers and further research opportunities.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term.

Assessment

Thesis

The doctoral thesis should contain material of sufficient originality to merit publication. The word limit is 80,000. An oral examination ('viva') is compulsory.

• 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
• Research Proposal. The research proposal should be a detailed description of the project of your doctoral thesis, of at least 600 words.
• 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

• Global Education
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships
• Arts and Humanities Research Council
• Rausing Studentships
• Raymond and Edith Williamson Studentships
• Wellcome Doctoral Studentships

The History and Philosophy of Science degree at the University of Cambridge offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding the development of scientific ideas and their philosophical foundations. This program combines rigorous historical analysis with reflective philosophical inquiry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how scientific knowledge has evolved over time and the conceptual frameworks underpinning scientific practices. Students explore major scientific theories, discoveries, and controversies from antiquity to the present, examining the context in which scientific ideas emerged and their impact on broader cultural, philosophical, and societal developments. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the complexity of scientific progress. It encourages students to engage with primary historical sources, philosophical texts, and contemporary debates in philosophy of science. The program often involves a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, fostering an active learning environment. Graduates of this course are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, education, science communication, policy analysis, and other fields requiring analytical and critical reasoning skills. The program's structure typically spans three years for an undergraduate BA degree, with optional research components or specialization streams available in advanced stages. Cambridge's distinguished faculty includes experts in both history of science and philosophy of science, providing students with opportunities for mentorship and to participate in cutting-edge research projects. Overall, the degree aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of science not only as a body of knowledge but also as a human endeavor deeply intertwined with philosophical questions about knowledge, truth, and the nature of reality. No matter the specific focus, students graduate with a distinctive perspective on the scientific enterprise that combines historical insight with philosophical clarity.