Philosophy and History of Science
MA
University of Bristol

Key Course Facts
Course Description
We are among the top UK institutions for philosophy and history of science. Our expertise is in a broad range of areas related to the philosophy and history of the specific sciences, including physics, biology, mathematics, logic, medicine and psychology. The latest Philosophical Gourmet Report (2017/18) ranked Bristol as the strongest department in the UK for philosophy of biology, joint strongest for general philosophy of science, and fourth strongest for philosophy of physics.
Our MA draws on these strengths. It is intended both for students who have a first degree in philosophy who wish to specialise in philosophy and history of science at a higher level, and for individuals with a background in pure science who wish to make a transition to philosophy and history of science or to explore foundational issues within the sciences.
The emphasis of the programme is on philosophical issues arising from specific scientific disciplines, with particular focus on physics, biology and mathematics. The history of science is studied in terms of the philosophical debate about the nature of scientific method and knowledge.
As a postgraduate student, you will be an active member of the department’s flourishing research culture. You will be encouraged to attend and participate in both the weekly departmental research seminar and in the Philosophy and History of Science seminar, which often features well-known scholars from Bristol and beyond. There is also a weekly postgraduate seminar, where you may present your own work and learn to develop your argumentative strategies in a supportive environment.
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
-
- 6.0
- Graduate Degrees
-
- 6.5
- Graduate Degrees Law, Econ, Medicine, English
-
- 6.0
- Undergraduate Degrees
-
- 7.0
- Undergraduate Degrees Law, Econ, Medicine, English
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Philosophy and History of Science, MA, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) with a minimum average of 65%. This is usually in philosophy or a science subject. Alternative qualifications can be considered if the relevant skills are demonstrated, applicants who do not hold a Philosophy degree will be required to upload a writing sample.
Costs
Tuition Fees Philosophy and History of Science MA
Channel Islands | £10700 | year 1 |
---|---|---|
EU | £21100 | year 1 |
England UK | £10700 | year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £10700 | year 1 |
Scotland | £10700 | year 1 |
Wales | £10700 | year 1 |
International | £21100 | year 1 |
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
University Rankings
Positions of University of Bristol in top UK and global rankings.
See all 35 university rankings of University of Bristol
About University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a traditional red brick research university located in Bristol, England. This university does not have a campus that it designates as its main campus, but instead has a group of buildings in the city centre which is referred to as the “University precinct”. With six different faculties and 29 distinct schools, there is sure to be something of interest for almost any student at Bristol.
List of 407 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Bristol - Course Catalogue
Student composition of University of Bristol
- undergraduates:
- 22265
- postgraduates:
- 6860
- Total:
- 29125
Where is this programme taught



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