PhD in History and Philosophy of Science
University of Cambridge
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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

JAN

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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

JAN

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Cambridge

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

4 years

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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.

Assessment

Thesis

The 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
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
1st
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
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

H
Hugo
28 Mar 22

Very academically..Read more

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK First class Honours Degree. Applicants will only be admitted directly to PhD studies if they have an exceptionally strong background in the field and have prepared an appropriate research proposal. Unless they have completed a similar course at another university, applicants are normally advised to apply for the MPhil first. A first-class MPhil mark is required in order to progress to the PhD.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£9,858 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)

University Composition Fee: £9,858; Maintenance: £18,625.

£29,826 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.

University Composition Fee: £29,826; Maintenance: £18,625.

£29,826 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.

University Composition Fee: £29,826; Maintenance: £18,625.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Philosophy reviews

Philosophy
Philosophy
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
H
Hugo
28 Mar 22
MPhil in Philosophy
Very academically...
Read more
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How Philosophy students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 11 reviews
5 star
37%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
18%
2 stars
0%
1 star
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How all students rated:

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( 4.2) 513 reviews
5 star
36%
4 stars
53%
3 stars
10%
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1%
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Uni info

University of Cambridge
The Old Schools Trinity Lane Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1TN United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Cambridge  0.6 miles away

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