The Master’s programme in the History and Philosophy of Science offers a unique opportunity to study the foundations, practices, and culture of the sciences and humanities from a historical and philosophical perspective. Our two-year research programme addresses the historical development of scientific thought and practice with a broad approach that investigates the interplay of science or the humanities with cultural, social, and institutional factors. Students will also undertake conceptual analysis of theories such as relativity, quantum mechanics, evolution, and modern genetics.
The curriculum covers courses on selected subjects in:
Programme Objective
The general aim of the Master’s programme HPS is to offer you a thorough training in the history and/or philosophy or foundations of the sciences and humanities. You'll learn to develop and research historical or philosophical research questions. You will be educated in developing a professional attitude which enables you to enroll in a PhD programme in the HPS field, or start (on the job training) for a career in science education and communication, in museums, in science policy or science management.
Career prospects:
Almost half of the programme’s graduates continue to a PhD in Utrecht, elsewhere in the Netherlands, or abroad. Others have found high-level employment in business, science communication and management, science museums, the financial industry, or the technology sector.
Academic Careers
Graduates are exceptionally well prepared to enter PhD programmes in the Netherlands or abroad. A PhD position in the Netherlands is usually fully funded for a four-year period.
Almost half of our graduates have continued to a PhD project in the field in Utrecht or elsewhere. Recent Utrecht University PhD projects have included studies of the history of the law of energy conservation in 19th-century German culture, the role of correlations in physical theories and what these say about the world, the teaching of pharmacology in the 16th century, and the role of genetics in animal breeding..
Some graduates have entered PhD programmes in fields outside of HPS and successfully continued their graduate studies in either the sciences or humanities.
Expected September 2022
Utrecht University
Heidelberglaan 8,
Utrecht Science Park / De Uithof,
Utrecht,
3584, Netherlands
Applicants are expected to hold one of the following Bachelor’s degrees:
In the case of BSc degree graduates, students with a minor in History and/or Philosophy are especially encouraged to enroll.
In the case of BA degree graduates, students with a major in History or Philosophy or a minor in one of the sciences are especially encouraged to enroll.
In other cases, the candidate should be able to demonstrate an interest in history and/or philosophy.
Other English language requirements: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, at least a B grade; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, at least a C grade.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
