iBSc History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine

Deepen Your Understanding of Medicine and Science and Their Historical and Philosophical Foundations with UCL’s Intercalated BSc in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine

The UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) offers an exciting Intercalated BSc (iBSc) in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine (HPSM). This programme examines the historical development of science, technology, and medicine while addressing philosophical questions about their methods, foundations, and the way they shape our understanding of the world. Students will explore the dynamic interplay between history and philosophy, leveraging UCL STS’s distinctive expertise in Integrated History and Philosophy of Science.

A Historical and Philosophical Perspective on Medicine

The historical dimension of this programme explores pivotal moments in the cultural, social and political history of medicine, disease and health. It examines both the history of specific diseases and broader shifts in medical discourse. By enrolling in this iBSc, students will engage with key historical questions such as: How has our understanding of medicine, disease, and health evolved over time? The curriculum also examines the nature of history itself, exploring how our perspectives on medicine shift when we move beyond the achievements of doctors and scientists to consider patients’ experiences and situate health and disease within their broader cultural contexts.

On the philosophical side, students will grapple with key questions about the nature and scope of scientific inquiry and medical practice. How do various scientific methods relate to one another, and do they deliver on the promise of objective understanding? The programme addresses enduring debates in the philosophy of medicine, including the definitions of health and disease, the nature of scientific evidence and explanation, the concept of causation in medicine, and the philosophical foundations of social injustices. Ethical questions in science and medicine also take centre stage, fostering both practical and theoretical discussions.

Why Choose This iBSc?

This iBSc will introduce you to think about medicine, drawing on insights and material from history, philosophy and modern biomedicine by looking at the interplay of scientific, social, philosophical and ethical judgements invested in discussing medicine, health and disease.

This programme is designed to broaden your perspective on the practice of medicine by exploring the cultural, historical, and philosophical concepts that inform it. As a student, you will gain valuable insights into how science and medicine have developed, as well as the broader philosophical and ethical considerations that arise in practice of medicine. This interdisciplinary training will enhance your ability to engage critically with the challenges of modern medicine and prepare you for a range of roles that intersect with healthcare and beyond.

What You’ll Gain

Through engaging coursework and independent research, the HPSM programme provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, reflection, and analytical skills. By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

Describe and apply key concepts in the history and philosophy of science and medicine
Relate historical and philosophical research to current practices in medical research and clinical work
Analyse and interpret scientific developments through a reflective and critical lens
Demonstrate professional empathy and a deeper understanding of ethical issues in science
Communicate effectively through diverse written and oral formats
Undertake independent research to address novel questions in the history and philosophy of medicine
Reflect critically on their personal strengths and areas for growth

Skill Development for a Range of Careers

The HPSM iBSc equips students with critical skills applicable across multiple fields, from clinical medicine and research to roles in medical ethics, policy, education, and beyond. Students will gain the tools to think analytically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with the history and philosophy of their profession, enhancing their ability to contribute to both academic and practical dimensions of medical practice.

How does this iBSc in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine align with GMC Outcomes for Graduates?

This program focuses on the historical and philosophical dimensions of medicine, providing insights into the development of scientific thought, medical ethics, and patient care.

Professional Values and Behaviours

Ethical Reasoning: Students engage with philosophical and historical questions about health, disease, and evidence, enhancing their ability to address ethical dilemmas in clinical practice.
Understanding Social and Cultural Contexts: By examining historical and cultural shifts in medicine, students become more attuned to how biases and societal norms shape medical decisions and patient experiences.

Professional Skills

Critical Thinking and Communication: Rigorous coursework in history and philosophy fosters analytical thinking and clear communication, crucial for effective patient interactions and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Reflective Practice: The program encourages reflective thinking about medical practice from historical and philosophical perspectives, helping students evaluate their values and biases critically.

Professional Knowledge

Applying Social Science Principles: Students gain a deep understanding of sociocultural factors influencing medical progress and health outcomes, enhancing their ability to integrate these insights into clinical care.
Clinical Research and Scholarship: Training in historical and philosophical research methods equips students to critically appraise medical literature and contribute to scholarly work.
Health Promotion and Illness Prevention: By understanding the historical development of public health policies and ethical considerations, students are well-positioned to address current and future challenges in healthcare delivery.

By enriching students’ understanding of medicine through a sociological, political, historical, and philosophical lenses, STS equips future doctors to meet GMC Outcomes for Graduates. They foster skills in communication, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary analysis, all while preparing students to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare with a broader, more empathetic perspective. With a focus on policy, governance, and ethics, these degrees prepare students to take leadership roles and advocate for systemic changes in healthcare when and where necessary. The reflective and analytical nature of these degrees aligns with the GMC's emphasis on professional development and lifelong learning.

Discover the Bigger Picture of Medicine

This intercalated degree challenges students to look beyond the clinical and technical aspects of medicine, fostering a broader appreciation of how science and medicine evolve and interact with society. Whether your future lies in clinical practice, research, or complementary roles in education, ethics, or policy, the iBSc in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine will equip you with the tools to make a lasting impact on your career.

Contact our iBSc Tutor:

Dr Erman Sözüdoğru
STS iBSc Tutor
UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS)
sts-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Compulsory Modules

Students on the programme take the following compulsory modules:

Optional Modules

Students also take an additional three modules from a list of options (please note that this list is indicative only and module options can vary each year):

Recent Dissertation Topics

Moral Responsibility in Medicine: How do Doctors Relate to Institutional Responsibilty?
'Langian Psychiatry': Examining the Development in R.D. Laing's Work from 1960-1971
The Historiography of Magic: Exploring the Usefulness of Different Scholarly Categories in the Study of Medieval Islamic Magic
Blood and Soil: How DNA Testing Affects Indigenous Peoples' and Settler States' Concepts of Indigeneity and the Implications for Indegenous Land Right Claims
Mad Women: The Gendering of Borderline Personality Disorder and Histrionic Personality Disorder in the DSM-V
The Impact of Religion on the Development of Ancient Egyptian Medicine
The Doctor Will Free You Now: Examining the Extent to which Medico-scientific Discourse was Liberatory for Male Homosexuals in the United States, 1945-1995

Application

Fees and Funding

For information on fees, costs and funding, please see the Intercalated BSc Prospectus. If you are an applicant from a medical programme external to UCL, please see the Further Information page for external iBSc applicants.

Application process

For details of how to apply please see the Medical School website. If you are an external applicant, please see the iBSc webpage for external candidates.