History and Philosophy of Science

Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)Specialisation (formal)Year: 2025

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Overview

Honours in History and Philosophy of Science is an advanced and specialised course, involving an addition year of study at fourth year level, requiring a higher standard of performance than a pass degree. It is available to all students who have completed the requirement for the Bachelor of Arts, with a major in history and philosophy of science and an average of at least H2A (75%) in second and third-year subjects within the major, or equivalent. Students taking Honours in HPS will be expected to write a 15,000-word thesis, and take four coursework subjects. The core subject offered in Honours will provide an overview of important contemporary developments in history and philosophy of science. Students can also take a methodological subject of their choice and two elective subjects.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this specialisation, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of different contemporary perspectives in the history, philosophy and sociology of science
  • Access and appreciate different intellectual traditions and debates in history and philosophy of science and the social studies of science and technology
  • Demonstrate a capacity to apply rigorous methods of inquiry independently and appropriate theories and conceptual frameworks
  • Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to real-world situations, debates and problems in complex changing social and political contexts
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing on complex, intellectually challenging topics to both an academic and a lay audience.

Last updated: 27 February 2025