History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) is an exciting interdisciplinary field which examines the past, present and future of science, technology, society and medicine from various 'meta' perspectives. As well as the history, philosophy and sociology of science technology and medicine, the field incorporates science and technology policy and important aspects of environmental studies.

HPS is not a natural science field, but an area of study within the arts and social sciences and therefore requires no previous background knowledge of science or mathematics. Instead, it involves analysing and assessing the nature, the history, and the social and cultural consequences of science and technology.

The study of HPS is relevant to graduate destinations such as science and technology policy and management, environmental policy and management, high school and university education, computing, engineering, journalism and electronic media, museum and archival work, among many others.

Studying History and Philosophy of Science at UNSW

The School of History and Philosophy of Science offers HPS as a major sequence in the Bachelor of Arts program, the Bachelor of Science program and related combined degree programs. Science students may also choose to minor in HPS. Postgraduate study is also available.