PhD in History and Philosophy of Science
University of Cambridge
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.3) View reviews

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2 options available
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

University of Cambridge

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

OCT-26

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Cambridge

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-26

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Cambridge

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

OCT-26

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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History
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Philosophy
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Course info

The Department of History and Philosophy of Science has around 45 PhD students at any one time, their thesis topics covering the full range of history and philosophy of the sciences and medicine. PhD students are part of an exceptionally lively interdisciplinary community, with unparalleled opportunities to learn from and exchange ideas with staff, postdoctoral researchers and visitors here and across the University, and to use the outstanding facilities.Before a student can be admitted, a ...Read more

The Department of History and Philosophy of Science has around 45 PhD students at any one time, their thesis topics covering the full range of history and philosophy of the sciences and medicine. PhD students are part of an exceptionally lively interdisciplinary community, with unparalleled opportunities to learn from and exchange ideas with staff, postdoctoral researchers and visitors here and across the University, and to use the outstanding facilities.Before a student can be admitted, a member of the Department's teaching staff, approved by the Degree Committee, needs to agree to supervise the PhD. The supervisor is responsible for guiding the student's studies throughout their years at Cambridge, including by giving regular and detailed feedback on written work. In addition, each student is assigned an advisor by the end of the first term who then continues as part of the supervisory team throughout the PhD.Students are encouraged to attend the research seminars, workshops and reading groups that make the Department a hive of intellectual activity. The Department also offers graduate training workshops, which focus on key research, presentation, publication and employment skills.AssessmentThesisThe doctoral thesis should contain material of sufficient originality to merit publication. The word limit is 80,000 excluding the bibliography. An oral examination ("viva") is compulsory.Before a student can be admitted, a member of the Department's teaching staff, approved by the Degree Committee, needs to agree to supervise the PhD. The supervisor is responsible for guiding the student's studies throughout his or her years at Cambridge, including by giving regular and detailed feedback on written work. In addition, each student is assigned an advisor by the end of the first term who then continues as part of the supervisory team throughout the PhD. Students are encouraged to attend the research seminars, workshops and reading groups that make the Department a hive of intellectual activity. The Department also offers graduate training workshops, which focus on key research, presentation, publication and employment skills.

Key stats

History
  IDP Connect
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
1st
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
1st
What students say
J
James
15 Jan 24

No wonder it’s one of the best universities in the world it really is great..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
02 Mar 15

It's okay here but very stressful and too intense. The teachers are interesting and have a useful way of thinking. My accommodation is okay value but you still can't stay at all..Read more

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Masters (Distinction). Applicants for the PhD are expected to have previous training at masters level in a relevant field, with a first-class/distinction result (or non-UK equivalent). Applicants will only be admitted to the PhD programme if they have an exceptionally strong background in the field and a well-conceived research proposal on a topic that can be plausibly supervised by academics in this department (in collaboration with colleagues from other departments if necessary).

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,356 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£39,336 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£39,336 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Philosophy reviews

Philosophy
Philosophy
History
J
James
15 Jan 24
Philosophy - BA (Hons)
No wonder it’s one of the best universities in the world it really is great...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
02 Mar 15
It's okay here but very stressful and too intense. The teachers are interesting and have a useful way of thinking. My accommodation is okay value but you still can't stay at all...
Read more
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How Philosophy students rated:

Student rating
( 4.0) 3 reviews
5 star
34%
4 stars
33%
3 stars
33%
2 stars
0%
1 star
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How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 159 reviews
5 star
45%
4 stars
43%
3 stars
9%
2 stars
2%
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Uni info

University of Cambridge
The Old Schools Trinity Lane Cambridge CB2 1TN United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Cambridge  0.7 miles away

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