MSc Philosophy of Science Program By The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

# 2QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

12 monthsProgram duration

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

PhilosophyMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

With a deep and rigorous programme of coursework and research in the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method, the MSc Philosophy of Science explores both general questions about the nature of science and specific foundational issues related to the individual sciences.

The degree consists of two kinds of courses. The first are courses in general philosophy of science which cover topics like the nature of scientific explanation, the character of laws of nature, the construction of scientific models, the role of experiments in confirming hypotheses, the use probabilities in scientific reasoning, and function of scientific evidence in policy making. The second are courses that cover foundational problems which arise in connection with the special sciences. Here students can choose from a wide range of courses on topics including the philosophy of physics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, economics, law, and the study of gender and race.

The programme embodies the LSE’s distinctive approach to philosophy in which philosophical analysis is continuous with scientific practice. The department delivers research-led teaching, meaning that all courses are taught by faculty whose research is in the subject area of the courses they teach. The programme caters for everybody who wishes to embark on this journey. It is designed to be accessible and stimulating for two main audiences: those who have studied science as undergraduates and would now like to study the philosophical foundations and methodology of science in depth, and those who have studied philosophy and would now like to delve deeper into the philosophy of science.

Founded in 1946 by the eminent philosopher of science Sir Karl Popper, LSE’s Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method is the ideal place to explore conceptual, methodological and foundational issues in the sciences. Along with the closely related Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science (CPNSS), it enjoys an international reputation for its cutting-edge research, bustling seminar series, innovative workshops and conferences, and distinguished faculty and visitors. All events organised by the Department and the Centre are open to students in the programme, who will have opportunity to participate in pioneering research events and hear about new ideas from those who develop them.

Students who graduate from this programme have a wide range of options available to them. The programme provides an ideal springboard for a PhD and an academic career. But the programme also equips students with the skills to succeed in a broad range of other careers. Graduates from this programme have got into careers in the tech sector, consultancy, banking, journalism, government agencies, insurance, the construction industry; some work in think thanks of NGOs; and some have even become entrepreneurs and run their own start-up.

Program overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

With a deep and rigorous programme of coursework and research in the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method, the MSc Philosophy of Science explores both general questions about the nature of science and specific foundational issues related to the individual sciences.

The degree consists of two kinds of courses. The first are courses in general philosophy of science which cover topics like the nature of scientific explanation, the character of laws of nature, the construction of scientific models, the role of experiments in confirming hypotheses, the use probabilities in scientific reasoning, and function of scientific evidence in policy making. The second are courses that cover foundational problems which arise in connection with the special sciences. Here students can choose from a wide range of courses on topics including the philosophy of physics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, economics, law, and the study of gender and race.

The programme embodies the LSE’s distinctive approach to philosophy in which philosophical analysis is continuous with scientific practice. The department delivers research-led teaching, meaning that all courses are taught by faculty whose research is in the subject area of the courses they teach. The programme caters for everybody who wishes to embark on this journey. It is designed to be accessible and stimulating for two main audiences: those who have studied science as undergraduates and would now like to study the philosophical foundations and methodology of science in depth, and those who have studied philosophy and would now like to delve deeper into the philosophy of science.

Founded in 1946 by the eminent philosopher of science Sir Karl Popper, LSE’s Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method is the ideal place to explore conceptual, methodological and foundational issues in the sciences. Along with the closely related Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science (CPNSS), it enjoys an international reputation for its cutting-edge research, bustling seminar series, innovative workshops and conferences, and distinguished faculty and visitors. All events organised by the Department and the Centre are open to students in the programme, who will have opportunity to participate in pioneering research events and hear about new ideas from those who develop them.

Students who graduate from this programme have a wide range of options available to them. The programme provides an ideal springboard for a PhD and an academic career. But the programme also equips students with the skills to succeed in a broad range of other careers. Graduates from this programme have got into careers in the tech sector, consultancy, banking, journalism, government agencies, insurance, the construction industry; some work in think thanks of NGOs; and some have even become entrepreneurs and run their own start-up.

Admission requirements

12 Months
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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More programs from the university

Undergraduate study at LSE is designed for students who are keen to engage critically with their chosen discipline and who want to apply their learning to real world situations. This means you’ll be taught core theory related to your programme of study alongside specialist disciplinary and research skills, and have opportunities to use those skills in real world contexts as you progress through your degree. 

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research, often through teaching from the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have opportunities to participate in projects, discussions and events that are part of LSE’s daily intellectual life. 

Whichever degree programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support, both within your department and beyond. This will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help equip you, professionally and personally, for whatever you do after you graduate.

Visit our Virtual Open Day to find out more.


Our degrees

Our degrees are intended to provide students with a sound intellectual background rather than professional training. LSE graduates go on to a range of careers which are rarely restricted by the choice of degree subject. Success in your degree and in your subsequent career is best achieved by choosing subjects that interest you and that you are good at.

Financial support

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. That’s one of the reasons we provide such generous funding for undergraduate students. Help isn’t limited to UK students. Our funding is available to eligible UK, EU and overseas students, such as the funding awarded by the Uggla Family Scholars Programme. You may also be able to apply for funding from your own government.

How to apply

You need to make your application through UCAS. We don’t consider applications made in any other way. Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our undergraduate programmes.

Graduate study at LSE is designed for students who want to engage critically with their chosen discipline and apply their learning to real world situations. Our postgraduate programmes are shaped to equip students, professionally and personally, for whatever they want to do afterwards.

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research, and the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue your interests in an intellectually stimulating and challenging environment. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to the LSE community’s daily intellectual life, participating in projects, discussions and events with fellow students, academics, alumni and key contributors from across the disciplines.

Whichever programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support, both within your department and beyond that will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help you develop life-long skills and knowledge.

Visit our Virtual Graduate Open Events to find out more.


Types of study

LSE has developed graduate programmes to fulfil your needs whether you intend to pursue a career in industry, business, government, NGOs or academia, and whatever your background. 

The School offers a broad selection of postgraduate degrees, including:

  • MRes, MPhil, PhD, visiting research
  • Taught master’s (including LLM)
  • Diplomas
  • Double and joint degrees
  • Executive programmes
  • MPA


Financial support

LSE offers generous financial aid to its graduate students each year. Awards range from a contribution to tuition fees to full coverage of all expenses.

At master’s level, the value of support given by LSE ranges in value from 10 per cent of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award. Most master's programmes are eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

At doctoral level, LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities. These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted online from mid-October in the year prior to entry and most are considered on a rolling basis until all the available places are filled.

Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our postgraduate programmes.

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FAQs

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students. This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Visit the website for more information about funding support.
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