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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.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
Late applications may be considered subject to availability of places. 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 - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
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.
