History and Philosophy of Science MSc
The UCL History and Philosophy of Science MSc provides an intensive introduction to core themes, methods and concepts of the history and philosophy of science.
The UCL History and Philosophy of Science MSc provides an intensive introduction to core themes, methods and concepts of the history and philosophy of science. The programme is delivered by a faculty of internationally significant scholars in the field and prepares students for further studies, research at PhD level and for professional application of a historical and philosophical understanding of sciences’ wider place in society.
| Programme Details | |
|---|---|
| Awards Available | MSc |
| Duration | 1 year Full Time 2 years Part Time |
| Location | UCL Bloomsbury Campus |
Our integrated History and Philosophy of Science approach critically explores the inner workings of science, technology, and medicine from their origins to the present, to draw important lessons for our relationship between science, technology and society in the present and future. We prepare students for PhD level research and support students with science or humanities backgrounds looking to develop professionally through the application of historical and philosophical insights in science adjacent fields.
Find out what students think about our History and Philosophy of Science MSc:
The UCL History and Philosophy of Science MSc is delivered by historians and philosophers of science who shape the field internationally. From ancient science to the history of science in the 21st Century, and debates between realists and pragmatists to ethics and social epistemology, our History and Philosophy of Science community bring the most significant academic discussions in the field up to date with the most urgent challenges for global societies now and in the future.
The UCL History and Philosophy of Science MSc is taught by faculty who are all recognised experts in their field. Three features set as apart from other programmes:
1. Our research-led teaching engages with urgent social issues in the present day and those emerging in the future
2. Our research informs policy makers from vaccines to reparations;
3. Our support for students to develop their own research, independently and in collaboration with staff research projects.
Find out more about the programme the modules on offer and how to apply.
Course Content
The curriculum comprises of two compulsory modules and seven optional modules to be chosen from the Department of Science and Technology Studies Level 7 module catalogue.
Compulsory Modules:
- Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
- Research Project
Optional Modules:
- Science, Art and Philosophy
- Early Modern Science
- Science in Antiquity
- Causality, Mechanism and Evidence in Science
- Knowledge, Explanation and Classification in Science
- Social Epistemology of Science
- Science in the Twentieth Century and Beyond
- Science and the Global System
Please note that specialist modules may vary each academic year without prior notice
The UCL History and Philosophy of Science Team
Academic Staff
The programme tutor is Dr Rory Jubber, who is a Philosopher of Science
Dr Rory Jubber- Programme tutor
Lecturer in Philosophy of Science
Dr Jubber works primarily in the metaphysics of science with a particular focus on properties, composition and the laws of nature. In addition, Dr Jubber is interested in the nature of scientific testimony and the relation between political philosophy, ethics and other areas of philosophy.
Outside of academic philosophy Dr Jubber takes an active interest in the political landscape of Southern Africa.
Professor of Science and Technology Studies
Professor Agar researches and writes on the history of modern science and technology.
Deputy Head of Department & Professor of History and Philosophy of Science
Professor Ambrosio is an expert on the interrelations between science, art, and philosophy. Her research focuses on representations across art and science, nineteenth and twentieth century visual culture, the relations between classical Pragmatism and science, and the philosophy of Charles S. Peirce.
Lecturer in History of Science and Technology
Dr Bulstrode is a historian of physical sciences, industry, techniques and materials, with particular interest in cross-cultural encounters in experiment and innovation.
Professor of History and Philosophy of Biology
Professor Cain’s research interests emphasise twentieth-century evolutionary studies, Darwin and Darwinism, exploration and empire, the history of natural history and museum, and science in London.
Professor of History and Philosophy of Science
Professor Gregory focuses his research on the history of science in the ancient world, especially the history of cosmology and the relations between magic and science.
Professor of Philosophy of Science
Prof Illari is an expert in the philosophy of science, with research interests in causality and the philosophy of information.
Professor of Philosophy of Science
Prof Tobin is an expert in the philosophy of science; metaphysics of science and philosophy of science in practice. She is particularly interested in the philosophy of biochemistry
Associate Professor in History of Medicine
Dr Cristiano Turbil’s research explores the relationship between medicine, politics and national identity in modern Europe; he has written on the history of health & science communication; the history of public health in modern Italy, and literature and science.
Professor of History and Philosophy of Science
Prof Werrett is an expert in history of early modern and Enlightenment Science, especially in Europe and Russia.
You can hear our team talking about their work here.
Summer Reading Sample to Prepare for Study
If you’d like a taste of the type of material students will encounter in the History and Philosophy of Science MSc, here is a sampler. Together, these present some of the key themes that will help you engage during the course. Please don’t consider this list canonical or unproblemmatic. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to position all this material in meaningful contexts.
Agar, J. (2019). ‘What is technology?’ Annals of Science, 77(3), 377–382
Chiara Ambrosio & Sánchez-Dorado, J. (Eds.) Abstraction in Science and Art: Philosophical Perspectives (Routledge 2024).
Hannah Wills, Sadie Harrison, Erika Jones, Farrah Lawrence-Mackey and Rebecca Martin (eds) Women in the History of Science: A Sourcebook, (London: UCL Press, 2023).
Anne Beaulieu and Sabina Leonelli Data and Society: A Critical Introduction. (London, UK: SAGE, 2021)
Skloot, R. The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks. Pan. (2011).
Phyllis Illari and Federica Russo, Causality: Philosophical Theory Meets Scientific Practice (Oxford: Oxford University Press 2014)
Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga, Transient Workspaces: Technologies of Everyday Innovation in Zimbabwe (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2014)
Bird, Alexander. (2022). Knowing science. (First edition.). Oxford University Press.
Ahmed Ragab, The Medieval Islamic Hospital: Medicine, Religion, and Charity (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015)