Program Overview

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History and Philosophy of Science BSc

The History and Philosophy of Science BSc degree investigates the history of science from antiquity to the present and globally. The goal is to better understand science's many methods, fundamental concepts, logic, and ethics. This program aims to provide students with the ability to build a broad perspective on the origins of science and its role in our modern world.

Study Mode and Duration

• Study mode: Full-time
• Duration: 3 academic years

Tuition Fees

• UK tuition fees (2025/26): Ł9,535
• Overseas tuition fees (2025/26): Ł36,500

Programme Starts and Application Deadline

• Programme starts: September 2025
• Application deadline: 29 Jan 2025

UCAS Course Code

• UCAS course code: V550

Entry Requirements

A Levels

• Grades: AAB
• Subjects: No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual Offer Information

• Grades: BBB
• Subjects: No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• Points: 36
• Subjects: A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

Contextual Offer

• Points: 32
• Subjects: A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

UK Applicants Qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, the following are considered:

• Access to HE Diploma: Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016): With Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.
• Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects: D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB at Advanced Highers (or AA at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher).

Course Overview

This degree aims to produce graduates ready to use deep historical and philosophical perspectives to interpret science's influence on modern society. With a focus on key skills, practical methods, and broader perspectives, the program also aims to create versatile thinkers ready to engage with emerging issues.

What This Course Will Give You

• Explore the history of science from antiquity to the present and across the world.
• Acquire transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, arguing, well adapted to the 21st century job market.
• Investigate how scientific knowledge is intertwined with culture and society.
• Investigate science as a way of knowing, including its many methods, fundamental concepts, logic, and ethics.
• Learn how to use history and philosophy to access, understand, and challenge positions in contemporary debates about science and technology.

Teaching and Learning

In each year of the degree, students will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken.

Modules

The list of modules given is indicative and may change. Modules include:

Compulsory Modules

• Investigating Sociology and Politics of Science
• History of Science: Antiquity to Enlightenment
• Philosophy of Science 1
• Science Policy
• Science Communication and Public Engagement
• Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
• History of Modern Science
• STS Perspectives on Big Problems
• Philosophy of Science 2
• History of Science 2
• Dissertation

Optional Modules

• Policy Issues in the Life Sciences
• Science in Popular Culture
• Science and Ethics
• Science and Religion
• Engaging the Public with Science
• Thinking about Technology
• Sociology of Science and Technology
• Science in Government
• Research Methods in Science and Technology Studies
• Medicine and Society
• Warnings For All
• Science, Warfare and Peace
• Science and the Publishing Industry
• Governing Emerging Technologies
• The Social Sciences of Inequality
• Philosophy of Information
• Science in the Ancient World
• Eugenics in Science and Culture
• Science Journalism
• Evolution in Science and Culture
• Philosophy of Medicine
• Medicine, History and Society
• Science, Art and Philosophy
• Disease in History
• Special Topics in Science and Society

Your Learning

Our teaching methods adapt to specific needs of students. Many modules include small-group discussions and active participation. The student-to-tutor ratio is approximately 10:1.

Assessment

Coursework ranges from short position pieces to significant research papers. In addition to essays, we assess using posters, blogs, and multimedia projects. Practical work includes mock parliamentary reports, radio programmes, film production, oral presentations, and internet projects. Group work is sometimes used, as are unseen examinations.

Fees and Funding

Fees for This Course

• UK students: Ł9,535
• International students: Ł36,500

Funding Your Studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships, and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships.

The Foundation of Your Career

The breadth and depth of our degree open you up to numerous potential career paths. The knowledge and skills gained on the programme can also be used in fields including working in science policy think tanks, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, science journalism, civil service, managerial roles in healthcare, and teaching both at university and school level. Further study, either within the discipline or to acquire professional training, for example for financial or legal careers, is also popular among our graduates.

Employability

The programme is designed to enable you to gain understanding of the discipline and to develop intellectual, practical, and transferable skills, such as critical thinking; retrieving, researching, and analysing material; time and project management; and working effectively both independently and as part of a team.