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| MSc in Philosophy and History of SciencePage contents > Context | The Programme | Testimonials\career development | Rankings | Financial support | When to apply | Further information ContextWhat, if anything, makes science and the methods of science special? Can we achieve certainty through science? If not, is it at least highly probable that our current best theories are true? How exactly does, and should, evidence relate to theoretical claims in science? What constitutes a scientific explanation or causation in science? How do the facts about the historical development of science - and in particular facts about theory-change in science (so-called "scientific revolutions") - impinge on these general philosophical issues? This course allows you to address some of these general questions and also (depending on the choices you make) some of the interesting conceptual or foundational issues that arise within specific sciences, such as: Is Darwinian theory really testable? Is it groups, individuals or genes that are operated on by natural selection? Is there a coherent formulation of quantum mechanics, given the 'measurement problem'? Are economic theories testable or do they simply constitute definitions of what a rational economic agent would be like? Can we expect social science to be testable and to provide explanations in the same way as natural science? Taught jointly by two internationally respected departments - at LSE and at King's College, London - this course attracts primarily two types of students: those with first degrees in a science who would like to study the methods and foundations of science, and those with first degrees in philosophy who would like to specialise more in philosophy of science. As well as further developing the virtues of clear thinking, analytical argument and appreciation of the rules of evidence that are so useful in a range of high-level occupations, the course provides a solid foundation for doctoral work in the philosophy of science and related fields, and for employment in such fields as science journalism and science administration. The ProgrammeWe will consider applicants with a first or upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc. However, the majority of our students fall under one of two heads: (a) those who have studied science as undergraduates and would now like to study in depth the foundations and methods of science; and (b) those who have studied philosophy and would now like to study philosophy of science in greater depth. Our courses are designed to be understandable by, and stimulating for, both groups. If your first language is not English, please submit with your application to LSE a sample of your work in English (five to ten typewritten pages). Core Course Options Courses to the value of two full units from:
‡ You must select one of these options You will sit written examinations for your three options some time between weeks 4 and 10 of the summer term. You will also complete a 10,000 word dissertation which is completed over the summer and must be submitted in mid-September. Testimonials\career developmentFor a look at what some past students have gone on to do click here. RankingsThe Department is currently ranked joint 2nd in the world for Philosophy of Science by the Philosophical Gourmet Report 2006-2008. Financial supportFor information about financial support click here When to applyWe urge students to apply early. We will continue to accept applications while space is available. Please see Graduate Admissions to apply. Further informationSee MSc Philosophy and History of Science in the Graduate Prospectus 2009.
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