Biology and History and Philosophy of Science BSc

Course overview

This joint honours degree enables you to develop knowledge and skills through an exploration of the science and philosophy of living things, as well as a historical understanding of how these fields of study have evolved over time.

You’ll combine practical lab work with classroom-based learning, developing a broad set of biological knowledge and skills, whilst exploring the history of scientific thought, the links between magic, science and religion and the nature of scientific knowledge.

A combination of compulsory and optional modules will enable you to improve your understanding of key topics such as philosophy of science, cell biology and genetics and gain specialist knowledge in areas like philosophy of biology, behavioural ecology and animal development biology.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including B in Biology

GCSE: grade 6/B in Mathematics.

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level including Biology and grade A in the EPQ.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

A joint honours degree in Biology and History and Philosophy of Science will equip you with a wide range of practical skills and subject knowledge which are highly attractive to employers.

You’ll be able to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data using your excellent analytical skills which you’ll have developed throughout your course. You’ll also be confident working within a team or independently and you’ll have great research skills.

You’ll also be organised and able to multi-task through your experience of studying two subjects together.

Choosing Biology with HPS was a bit of an adventure as I hadn’t studied much covered by the course previously, but I decided that I wanted a more interdisciplinary approach to science. I was completely inspired by this course and all the lecturers who delivered it. I loved learning about the latest theories and research alongside thinking about how other social and historical factors have contributed to their development. I now include this inquisitive approach to science in my lessons as a teacher at a secondary school in London, encouraging students to think about the history of an idea, whether we can see science as a series of ‘facts’, and what this actually means.

Hannah, BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science graduate