BSc History and Philosophy of Science
About this course
BSc in History and Philosophy of Science, a history and philosophy degree focused on the past and present of science, technology and medicine. Core topics include Research Methods. Students can take the course with the option of an additional year studying abroad in another country. The first year covers foundational ideas through modules such as History of Science: Antiquity to Enlightenment, Philosophy of Science 1, Science Policy, and Investigating Sociology and Politics of Science. The second year builds on this with compulsory study in Philosophy of Science 2, Science and Ethics, Science and Empire, and Researching History and Philosophy of Science, alongside optional modules like Science and Religion, History of Life Sciences, and Thinking about Technology. The final year centres on a compulsory Dissertation, complemented by optional studies in Disease in History, Evolution in Science and Culture, and Philosophy of Natural Sciences.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB IB: 36 points (A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.)
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 70%: 14 offers from 20 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 19%
- Administrative occupations: 11%
- Finance Professionals: 8%
- Media Professionals: 8%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 6%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 63%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 65%
- A degree: 10%
- Other qualifications: 20%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- History of Science: Antiquity to Enlightenment
- Philosophy of Science 1
- Science Policy
- Investigating Sociology and Politics of Science
- Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
- History of Modern Science
- STS Perspectives on Big Problems
- Science in Popular Culture
- Philosophy of Science 2
- Science and Ethics
- Science and Empire
- Researching History and Philosophy of Science
- Science and Religion
- History of Life Sciences
- Thinking about Technology
- Sociology and Politics of Medicine
- Realising Utopia Science and Technology for a Better World
- Dissertation
- Disease in History
- Evolution in Science and Culture
- Special Topics in History and Philosophy of Science
- Special Topics in Science and Society
- Science, Warfare and Peace
- Advanced Sociology of Science
- Science and the Publishing Industry
- Science in the Twentieth Century
- History of Astronomy and Cosmology
- Philosophy of Natural Sciences
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc History and Philosophy of Science at University College London earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £39,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £59,000. The £39,500 median after five years is £9,000 more than the UK median for History.
What do graduates of BSc History and Philosophy of Science at University College London do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc History and Philosophy of Science at University College London?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc History and Philosophy of Science at University College London?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 144 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc History and Philosophy of Science at University College London?
70% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 14 offers from 20 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
How many students continue on BSc History and Philosophy of Science at University College London?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.