Undergraduate award: Diploma in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology

Satellite view of the world at night, with different cities and towns illuminated.

Explore the ideas that drive ‘progress’. And the challenges they create

Are you gripped by debates on misinformation, AI, and the role of science in public life? This course combines the philosophy of science, the history of science and the relationship between technology and society. You’ll explore how ‘knowledge’ is created and defined, challenged and disseminated. Engage in lively discussion. Ground yourself in philosophical theory ready for real-world problem-solving. And build the critical thinking skills needed to navigate today’s complex information landscape.

Ready to consider science and technology from multiple angles? We look forward to welcoming you.

Why choose this course with us?

Access Cambridge teaching in a flexible format: part-time and online
Gain a credited, Cambridge award: boost your learning and career opportunities
Join our peer-learning and Cambridge alumni communities: connection and support, for life

Course Dates

Course information

Course highlights

During this part-time online certificate course, you will:

build your understanding of some central topics in the philosophy and history of science and technology
develop academic skills in research, analysis, evaluation and problem-solving
prepare for possible further study at postgraduate level

This course takes a multidisciplinary approach and covers a wide range of topics. From questioning what ‘is’ science to understanding how society shapes it, and vice versa. From understanding where ‘progress’ has led to, to where it might lead. You might have some experience in philosophy, science or technology. Or you might not. If you’re interested in the subject, we look forward to your application.

As part of our learning community, you will:

discuss philosophical and historical works on the production of knowledge and technology
analyse and critique literature on the nature of scientific method, evidence in science and the problem of demarcating science
analyse contemporary debates on the role of values in science as related to ideas of objectivity
evaluate key ethical and societal challenges arising from science scepticism and the rise of misinformation
identify and critique ethical, political and societal challenges in the development of technology

Course breakdown

This course will run over 3 terms from 9 October 2026 to 9 June 2027.

Each term, there are:

6 to 8 hours of pre-recorded lectures
4 live weekend seminars
2 hours of group supervision

Exact teaching dates and times will be confirmed in the course guide upon enrolment.

Michaelmas term: What is Science?

Course (unit 1) start date: 9 October 2026
Unit 1 end date: 6 January 2027

In this unit we'll introduce central topics in the philosophy of science. You'll reflect on whether there are any distinctive characteristics of the quest for knowledge that we call 'science', a set of methods that are characteristic of science and perhaps even unique to it. We'll examine what reasons we have to believe that our knowledge about the world is cumulative and progressive, whether science aims to discover truths about the world, and whether science undergoes dynamic upheavals or steadily accumulates knowledge. Lastly, we'll ask whether science is and ought to be value-free or driven by political and moral values. We'll further explore how beauty can affect the production of knowledge, reflecting on whether values in science undermine its objectivity or could enhance it.

Lent term: Topics in History of Science

Unit 2 start date: week commencing 4 January 2027 
Unit 2 end date: 24 March 2027

In this unit we'll explore the ways in which different people and communities have organised their explorations to find out knowledge about the world. We'll focus on the development of knowledge production and the impact societal and technological developments have had upon it. To understand the power and importance of science, you'll immerse yourself in the traditions and societal cultures of past practitioners. You'll uncover the conditions under which investigations of nature took place and evaluate how they're different from our own. Emphasis in this unit is placed on the way in which practices, images, maps, data, diagrams and instruments shaped the production of knowledge.

Easter term: Technology and Society

Unit 3 start date: week commencing 29 March 2027
Unit 3 end date: 9 June 2027

In this unit we'll focus on uncovering the cultural, societal and scientific influences that affect the development of technologies and understanding how technological artefacts in their turn shape society. We'll explore the practices, organisations and contingencies behind the development of technological artefacts and the moral and political consequences they have. Reflecting on the social and political values in the design and production of technology, we'll draw conclusions on how implicit biases, existing power structures and injustice can lead to often unintended harms. We'll then reflect on what would constitute ‘good’ technology and the role different values can have in shaping a more equitable and societally beneficial technology. We'll reflect on contemporary discussions on the potentials and pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence applications within medicine, education, science and art.

After the course

If you enjoyed this course, you might be interested in:

our Undergraduate Diploma in Creativity Theory, History and Philosophy
developing research skills and conducting your own research on this or a related subject on our Undergraduate Advanced Diplomas in Research Theory and Practice and Research in the Arts/Sciences
our Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy
our MSt in AI Ethics and Society
our MSt in History

Entry requirements

To be accepted onto a Diploma course, you will normally have passed a Certificate (level 4) qualification, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

We are able to make exceptions to the academic entry requirements, especially if you have evidence of relevant professional experience that demonstrates your suitability for the course. 

Please tell us about any previous study or relevant educational and professional experience when you apply.

Your application will be reviewed by PACE Admissions, along with the Course Director or Academic Director, who will decide whether to make you an offer of a place.

If you’re still unsure which academic level to study, would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, or would like to know more about the admissions process, please use the 'Ask a question' button.

Your application will be reviewed by PACE Admissions along with the Course Director or Academic Director who will decide whether to make you an offer of a place.

English language requirements

Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet the requirements of one of the language proficiency tests below. You’ll need to complete your test and submit the results to our admissions team by 15 September 2026.

IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake

https://ielts.org/

Overall score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component.

TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Home Edition

https://www.ets.org/toefl.html

Overall score of 92, with no element below 20.

(Please note that changes to TOEFL Internet Based Test and Home Edition mean that it will no longer be suitable for entry to Cambridge at Undergraduate level from 21 January 2026. Tests taken after this date will not be accepted.)