(Full time) 2021 start
History and Philosophy of Science and Physics BSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
This course involves the in-depth study of the history of science and physics, but also explores current scientific knowledge and its future applications.
History and Philosophy of Science seeks to understand the nature of science and its role in society. Using philosophical, historical and social perspectives you’ll explore the history of scientific thought, the links between magic, science and religion and the nature of scientific knowledge.
Physics at Leeds combines technical lectures, practical demonstrations, learning labs and personal tutorials to equip you with analytical and problem-solving skills and valuable subject knowledge.
Throughout your course you’ll study core modules exploring key questions in history and philosophy of science, as well as quantum mechanics and thermal physics. Then you'll choose from a wide range of optional modules in topics that reflect your interests such as photonics, nuclear physics or the nature of scientific knowledge. You can also select from discovery modules from across the wider university.
Take a look around our libraries:
Brotherton Library
Laidlaw Library
Edward Boyle Library
Course content
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.
In your first year core modules will introduce you to themes and approaches in history and philosophy of science, such as the development of scientific thought.
You’ll also study topics in physics such as vibrations and quantum mechanics, as well as conducting lab work.
Further core modules the following year will develop your knowledge and improve your mathematical skills, continuing with lab work and studying areas such as electromagnetism. You’ll also choose optional modules in areas like theory of knowledge and the history of ideas.
You’ll continue to select optional modules in your final year, from the history of the body to philosophical questions in technology.
You’ll also choose from further optional modules on a variety of topics to suit your own interests and career plans.
Throughout your degree you’ll be developing a wide range of skills including research, interpretation and analysis, and in your final year you’ll have the opportunity to apply them to a final year project on a topic of your choice.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Magic, Science and Religion 10 credits
- Introduction to the History of Science 10 credits
- Darwin, Germs and the Bomb 10 credits
- How Science Works 10 credits
- Physics 1- Fundamental Forces 25 credits
- Vibrations and Waves (Geophysics) 10 credits
- Laboratory 1a (Joint Honours and Geophysics) 5 credits
- Maths 1- Scalars and Vectors 10 credits
- Maths 2- Multivariable Calculus 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- History of Psychology 10 credits
- Living with Technology 10 credits
- History of Modern Medicine 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Quantum Mechanics (Joint Honours) 15 credits
- Maths 3- Matrices and Operators 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- History of Science in 10 Objects 20 credits
- History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness 20 credits
- Introduction to Epistemology 20 credits
- Philosophical Issues in Biology 20 credits
- How Biology Works 10 credits
- Experimental Physics (For NatSci & Joint Honours) 10 credits
- Physics 3- Fields and Energy 25 credits
- Electromagnetism (Joint Honours) 15 credits
- Maths 4- Transforms and Partial Differential Equations 10 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Science Communication: History & Theory 20 credits
- History of the Body 20 credits
- Science, Objects and the Museum 20 credits
- Mind, Brain & Society 20 credits
- Philosophy of Biology 20 credits
- Introduction to Philosophy of Modern Physics 10 credits
- Philosophy of Modern Physics 20 credits
- Philosophical Issues in Technology 20 credits
- Philosophy of the Social Sciences 20 credits
- Cosmology 15 credits
- Photonics 15 credits
- Project 40 credits
- Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice 15 credits
- Star and Planet Formation 15 credits
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics 15 credits
- Quantum Photonics 15 credits
- Statistical Mechanics 15 credits
- Professional Skills in Physics 5 credits
- Advanced Mechanics 15 credits
- Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics 15 credits
- Physics in Schools 15 credits
- Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
- Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
- Moral, Rational Selves: Perspectives on Human Nature 20 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops.
However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.
You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including A in Mathematics and B in Physics
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 ABC at A Level including A in Mathematics, B in Physics and grade A in the EPQ.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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BTEC
We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2 including M1 in Maths and M2 in Physics
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Mathematics at Higher Level and 6 in Physics at Higher Level
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H2 in Mathematics and H3 in Physics
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75% including 8.5 in Mathematics and 8.0 in Physics
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds Offer: BBC at A Level including B in Mathematics and B in Physics and pass Access to Leeds
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.
You can find out more about what it is like to be an international student by speaking to a Link to Leeds ambassador. They can’t help you with your application, but they can tell you how they have found living and studying in Leeds.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £24,500 (per year)
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.
Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.