History and Philosophy of Science BSc

University College London

Bachelor's degree

In London

£ 9,250 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    London

  • Duration

    3 Years

In each year of your degree you 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. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). 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, underpinned by strong interdisciplinary connections.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
Gower Street, WC1E 6BT

Start date

On request

About this course

Explore the history of science from antiquity to the present and across the world. This includes following changes as scientific knowledge moves between different cultures. Investigate how scientific knowledge is intertwined with culture and society, and how historians and sociologists understand the past based on evidence from archives, libraries, museums and oral testimonies
Investigate science as a way of knowing, including its many methods, fundamental concepts, logic, and ethics, and use science to develop expertise in areas of philosophy from aesthetics to metaphysics Learn how to use history and philosophy to access, understand, and challenge positions in contemporary debates about science and technology.

The programme is designed to enable 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 independently 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 transnationally. 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, governments or charities. Further study, either within the discipline, or to acquire professional training for example for financial or legal careers, is popular among our graduates.

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5. For UK-based students, a grade C or 5 or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required.

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Reviews

This centre's achievements

2018

All courses are up to date

The average rating is higher than 3.7

More than 50 reviews in the last 12 months

This centre has featured on Emagister for 14 years

Subjects

  • Philosophy
  • Technology
  • History of Philosophy
  • Communication Training
  • Modern Science
  • Enlightenment
  • History of science
  • Science and Society
  • History
  • Revealing Science
  • Public with Science

Course programme

Year 1

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • 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 modules

There are no optional modules in year one.

Year 2

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • There are no compulsory modules in year two.
Optional modules
  • Students select modules from a wide range offered by the department and more widely across UCL, including:
  • Engaging the Public with Science
  • Evolution in Science and Culture
  • Philosophy of Science II
  • Policy Issues in the Life Sciences
  • Science and Ethics
  • Science and Religion
  • Science in Popular Culture
  • Sociology of Science and Technology
  • Thinking about Technology
  • Science and Empire
  • Applied Medicine and Society
  • Special Topics

Year 3

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • Dissertation
Optional modules
  • Advanced Philosophy of Medicine
  • Communication of Scientific Ideas
  • Disease in History
  • Governing Emerging Technologies
  • History of Astronomy and Cosmology
  • History of Medicine
  • Medical Ethics
  • Nature, Technology and the Environment
  • Philosophy of Information
  • Philosophy of Natural Science
  • Science and Film Production
  • Science in the Age of Newton
  • Science, Art and Philosophy
  • Science, Politics, and the State in Russia and the Soviet Union
  • Sleep and Dreaming
  • Globalisation in Theory and Practice
  • Science Communication in Digital Environments
  • Philosophy of Natural Sciences
  • Zoos in Science and Culture
Your learning

We consistently excel in student evaluations, obtaining 100% student satisfaction for the STS degrees from the National Student Survey in 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2013. 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 sometimes is used, as are unseen examinations.

Additional information

Overseas students fee

£22,790 (2018/19)

See related categories

  • Undergraduate Degrees in England
  • History Undergraduate Degrees
  • Distance learning History Undergraduate Degrees
  • History Undergraduate Degrees in London
  • Undergraduate Degrees in London
  • University College London Undergraduate Degrees

History and Philosophy of Science BSc

£ 9,250 VAT inc.

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See all

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