Graduate Diploma in Science (History and Philosophy of Science)

History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) is located at the crossroads of science and arts, investigating the development and place of science in modern society. It examines theoretical and experimental developments in science, technology and medicine from a range of perspectives using socio-historical and philosophical techniques to explore these in their social, cultural and political contexts. HPS is an ideal way to critically engage with a broad range of scientific ideas and practices, and their social and cultural significance.

Overview

HPS offers a balanced program of history, philosophy and social studies of science and medicine, including a wide range of senior units in the history, philosophy and sociology of the physical, biological and medical sciences. HPS offers two coursework based programs: the Graduate Certificate in Science (HPS) (GradCertSc(HPS)) and the Graduate Diploma in Science (HPS) (GradDipSc(HPS)). These programs provide an introduction to the historical, philosophical and sociological analysis of science. Students will be introduced to the main accounts of the nature of science and evaluate their usefulness in the analysis of specific episodes in the history of science. Graduates may choose to focus on the philosophy of biomedical sciences, bioethics, or the history of medicine, whilst others may choose to work in the history and philosophy of the physical sciences, mathematics, or early modern science. Postgraduate HPS programs are designed for people who wish to reflect on the place of science in modern society as well as the ethical implications of science. Our programs provide an excellent opportunity for science teachers, in particular, to broaden their perspective on science.

University of Sydney Advantage

The University library contains over five million volumes, including a great number of rare books in the history of science and medicine. HPS offers a lively intellectual atmosphere provided by an enthusiastic group of young scholars working in innovative areas of the history and philosophy of science. Not surprisingly, it provides an unusually stimulating atmosphere for academic inquiry and research.

Publishing widely in their fields of expertise and having attained international recognition for their research, our staff bring the latest scholarship to their teaching and maintain high standards for postgraduate students. Visiting researchers of international standing contribute to the vibrant intellectual ambience of HPS.

Many postgraduate HPS students at the University have continued their postgraduate education at leading institutes in Australia and in the most prestigious universities around the world, among them the University of Cambridge and Princeton. These students found that participating in our program provided them with a thorough preparation for their later postgraduate careers.

Program Expectations

Upon completion graduates will understand the nature of the discipline of history and philosophy of science and will have acquired a combination of basic research skills which will assist in:

• analysing episodes in the history of science
• the sociological study of science and the dynamic relations between science and society
• philosophical analysis of scientific theory and practice

Graduates emerge with an ability to identify and examine the conceptual and social dimensions of science, technology and medicine using a variety of scholarly techniques. Achieving these interdisciplinary skills at the postgraduate level enhances a range of undergraduate backgrounds, preparing graduates for intensive research training or qualifying them for positions in government or industry.

Mode of Delivery

HPS caters almost exclusively for part-time study and accommodates students who work full-time by scheduling all units of study after 4pm. Each semester HPS hosts a research seminar series featuring leading scholars from Australia and around the world. Our postgraduate students are also given the opportunity to present their work at these events.

Further details

Admission Requirements

• GradCertSc(HPS):
  - a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• GradDipSc:
  - a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Program Requirements

• GradCertSc(HPS):
  - satisfactory completion of 24 credit points (cp) of units of study
• GradDipSc:
  - satisfactory completion of 48 cp of units of study, which includes a 15,000 word research thesis

Units of Study

Up to date information on units of study offered in the GradCertSc(HPS) and GradDipSc.

After Graduation

Studying HPS can lead to many different career paths. Science and medical policy, science journalism, science communication and the management of science and medicine are just some of the areas in which HPS graduates work. Many of our former students have successfully pursued further study in a range of internationally recognised academic programs. In addition, postgraduate programs can provide career enhancement for those whose previous technical training does not meet their current job needs.

Annual intake

6

Minimum Program Duration

• GradCertSc(HPS)
  - 2 semesters (part time only)
• GradDipSc
  - 2 semesters

Is Mid-Year Entry Available?

Yes

Special Note

All units of study are offered after 4pm each day. Both programs are run predominantly on a part-time basis.