Program Overview

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History and Philosophy of Science BSc

The History and Philosophy of Science BSc is a humanities degree that examines the past and present of science, technology, and medicine, as well as their global complexity. This program combines approaches from history, philosophy, art, and religion to ask important questions about the nature of knowledge and its impact on society.

Program Overview

This degree aims to produce graduates who are 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 who are ready to engage with emerging issues.

Study Mode and Duration

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

Tuition Fees

• UK tuition fees (2026/27): Ł9,790
• Overseas tuition fees (2026/27): Ł39,200

Program Starts and Application Deadline

• Program starts: September 2026
• Application deadline: 14 Jan 2026

UCAS Course Code

• UCAS course code: V550

Entry Requirements

A Levels

• Grades: AAB
• Subjects: No specific subjects, but 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, but 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
• BTEC National Diploma
• Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects
• Scottish Advanced Highers
• T Levels
• UAL Extended Diploma

Equivalent Qualification

• 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.
• D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects.
• AAB at Advanced Highers (or AA at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher).

International Applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Course Overview

The course explores the history of science, technology, and medicine globally, from antiquity to the present day. It covers fundamental concepts, logic, and ethics, and helps students understand science's many methods and its influence on the modern world.

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, and arguing.
• Investigate how scientific knowledge is intertwined with culture and society.
• 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 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 that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information.

Year 1

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

Year 2

• Philosophy of Science 2
• History of Science 2
• 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

Year 3

• Dissertation
• Optional modules:
  • 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
  • Philosophy of Medicine
  • Medicine, History and Society
  • Science, Art and Philosophy
  • Evolution in Science and Culture
  • Disease in History
  • Special Topics in Science and Society

Assessment

Coursework ranges from short position pieces to significant research papers. In addition to essays, assessments include 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.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences, and mental health conditions.

Fees and Funding

Fees for This Course

• UK students: Ł9,790
• International students: Ł39,200

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.

Employability

The program is designed to enable students 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.

The Foundation of Your Career

The breadth and depth of the degree open up numerous potential career paths, 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. Graduates can also look to progress to further study, either within the discipline or to acquire professional training for example for financial or legal careers.