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What is science? Why do we trust it to give us the truth about reality? How does it shape our society? Through socio-historical and philosophical techniques, the Graduate Certificate in Science (History and Philosophy of Science) will enable you to critically examine the fields of science, technology and medicine and deepen your understanding of their social, political, cultural, and conceptual ramifications.
Sitting at the intersection of arts and science, the Graduate Certificate in Science (HPS) is a fascinating course that offers a balanced introduction to the study of history, philosophy and social studies in science and medicine.
Completed part-time over one year, the Graduate Certificate will inform you about what makes science different from other forms of knowledge. You will be introduced to the most important attempts to define the nature of science, the methods behind those interpretations, and how this has come into play in specific episodes in the history of science.
Our selection of courses will give you the option to either focus on the philosophy of biomedical sciences, bioethics, or the history of medicine. Or you might like to work on the history and philosophy of the physical sciences, mathematics, or early modern science. As part of your studies you will reflect on the place of science in modern society as well as the ethical implications of science.
Upon completion of this course you will have acquired a combination of basic research skills and the ability to identify and examine the conceptual and social dimensions of science, technology and medicine using a variety of scholarly techniques.
Study plan
The course is completed normally over the course of two semesters on a part time basis only.
You will complete a total of 24 credit points (cp) from the following units of study (6cp each): HPSC4104, HPSC4102, HPSC4103, HPSC4104, HPSC4105, HPSC4108, HPSC4201.
HPSC4108 is compulsory for, and available only to those students who have not completed a major in history and philosophy of science or equivalent.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Science (History and Philosophy of Science) requires a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Medical Science or Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Liberal Studies, or any bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Science (History and Philosophy of Science), students may gain entry to the Graduate Diploma in Science to undertake a further research project in the area of history and philosophy of science. A separate admission application for the Graduate Diploma in Science is required.
CSP is not available in this course.
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply. Please check the relevant website for details.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Handbooks Online and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents.
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
