LONDON'S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
History and Philosophy of Science
BSc
UCAS code: V550
www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectus/sts
History and Philosophy of Science BSc
This BSc, unique in the UK, integrates study of
the philosophy and history of science. We
investigate science's methods, fundamental
concepts, logic, and ethics, and explore its
history, from antiquity to the present. We aim to
build a critical understanding of science's role in
the modern world and prepare you for careers in
research.
Degree summary
•
Explore the history and philosophy of science across the world, from
antiquity to the present. This includes following changes as scientific
knowledge moves between cultures
•
Investigate how scientific knowledge and methods are intertwined
with other elements of society, and how historians and sociologists
draw on evidence to piece together an understanding of the past
•
Investigate science as a way of knowing, including its many methods,
fundamental concepts, logic, and ethics
•
Use science as a focus for developing expertise in key areas of
philosophy, from metaphysics to aesthetics
This degree aims to produce graduates ready to use deep historical and
philosophical perspectives to interpret science's influence on modern
society.
With our focus on key skills, practical methods, and broader perspectives,
we also aim to create versatile thinkers ready to engage with emerging
issues.
The real strength of the degree is its flexibility and breadth across a wide
range of themes in history and philosophy, held together by strong
interdisciplinary connections.
Your learning
The department has a reputation for excellence in the classroom. Tutors
have won local and international teaching awards and we consistently
rank highly in student evaluations. Our teaching methods adapt to
specific needs of students. Many courses include small-group
discussions and active participation. The student-to-tutor ratio is
approximately 4:1.
Coursework ranges from short position pieces to significant research
papers. In addition to essays, we sometimes assess using posters, blogs,
and multimedia projects. Practical work includes mock parliamentary
reports, radio programmes, presentations, and web projects. Group work
sometimes is used, as are unseen examinations.
Your career
The programme is designed to allow you both 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 alone and as
part of a team.
In this scientific and technological world, this programme provides an
excellent foundation for many careers, especially those at the interface of
professional science and the wider culture.
This may include science communication in print or broadcasting,
education or museums; and employment in science policy or commercial
posts such as in research administration, technology transfer, regulatory
agencies or charities. Further study, either within the discipline, or to
acquire professional training for example for financial or legal careers, is
also popular among our graduates.
First destinations of recent graduates (2010-2013) of this programme
include:
•
Full-time student, MSc in Media Production at Imperial College
London
•
•
•
Junior Television Research Assistant, Dansk Channel 3 TV Station
•
Full-time student, Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP School of Law
Investment Advisor, Best Invest
Full-time student, MSc in Medicine, Science and Society at King's
College London
Degree structure
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual courses,
normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for
the year. Courses are assessed in the academic year in which they are
taken. The balance of compulsory and optional courses varies from
programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered
equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Year One
Compulsory courses
History of Modern Science
History of Science: from Antiquity to the Enlightenment
Investigating History and Philosophy of Science
Investigating Science and Society
Philosophy of Science I
Revealing Science
Science Policy
Science Communication and Public Engagement
Optional courses
There are no optional courses in year one.
Year Two
Compulsory courses
Global Citizenship in Action
Optional courses
Students select options from a wide range of courses offered by the
department and more widely across UCL, including:
Philosophy of Science II
Policy Issues in the Life Sciences
Science and Empire
Science and Ethics
Science in the Media
Sociology of Science and Technology
Final Year
Compulsory courses
Dissertation
Optional courses
Disease in History
Governing Emerging Technologies
History of Medicine
History of Astronomy and Cosmology
Investigating Contemporary Science
Medical Ethics
Philosophy of Information
Philosophy of Medicine
Philosophy of Natural Science
Science and Film Production
Science in Nineteenth Century London
Science, Art and Philosophy
Science, Politics, and the State in Russia and the Soviet Union
Sleep and Dreaming
Our final-year optional courses vary from year to year to reflect current
practice and the latest academic research. Students may also select
options from a wide range of courses offered by the department and
throughout UCL.
Entry requirements
A levels
and tours given by current students. The afternoon meetings with
academic staff provide an opportunity to discuss your personal interests
and aspirations in relation to your chosen degree.
A level grades
AAB-ABB
Fees
A level subjects
No specific subjects.
UK/EU fee
£9,000 (2016/17)
AS levels
For UK-based students a pass in a further subject
at AS level or equivalent is required.
Overseas fee
£17,190 (2016/17)
Notes
GCSE
English Language and Mathematics at grade C.
For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent
in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek,
Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL
provides opportunities to meet the foreign
language requirement following enrolment,
further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs
Details about financial support are available at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/study/ug-finance
IB diploma
IB points
34-36
Subjects
A score of 16-17 points in three higher level
subjects, with no score lower than 5.
Other qualifications
Full lists of all degree programmes and other entry requirements can be
found on our website at: www.ucl.ac.uk/otherquals
Undergraduate Preparatory
Certificates
UCL's Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are intensive
one-year foundation courses for international students of high academic
potential, who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree
programmes at UCL and other top UK universities.
For more information see our website: www.ucl.ac.uk/upc
Your application
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at
school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however,
applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United
Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Your application will be assessed on your prior and projected academic
achievement, and we will be seeking evidence of your interest in
historical and contemporary issues in science, technology and medicine.
You should also be able to demonstrate your ability to construct a
reasoned argument and to participate in debate.
After assessing your application, we invite applicants in the UK to visit the
department for an open day. This includes introductory talks from staff
PDF Updated: February 19, 2016
Information correct at time of going to press. See website (www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectus/sts) for latest information
Contacts
Contact
Dr Carole Reeves
Admissions Tutor
Email
sts-admissions@ucl.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)20 7679 3160
Prospectus entry
www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectus/sts
Key facts
REF
82%: History subjects; 75%: Philosophy subjects
rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally
excellent’)
Department
Science and Technology Studies
Faculty
Mathematical & Physical Sciences