Overview
Introduction
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's 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 tanks of NGOs; and some have even become entrepreneurs and run their own start-up.
Preliminary readings
- J Baggini and P S. Fosl, The philosopher's toolkit: a compendium of philosophical concepts and methods (Wiley Blackwell, 2010)
- S Okasha, Philosophy of science: a very short introduction (Oxford, 2002)
- K Popper, The logic of scientific discovery (Routledge, 2002)
- T Kuhn, The structure of scientific revolutions (University of Chicago Press, 1996)
- B Van Fraassen, The scientific image, (Oxford, 1980)
- S Psillos, Scientific realism: how science tracks truth (Routledge, 1999)
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline. You should also demonstrate a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
Programme content
Year 1
Students on the programme write a MSc dissertation of 10,000 words (full unit), take assessed courses to the value of three units, and attend the non-assessed Dissertation Seminar.
The MSc dissertation is an independent research project on an approved topic of your own choice, which is developed under the supervision of a member of the department. To help students develop their dissertations, they attend the Dissertation Seminar. The seminar introduces students to research strategies, explains the requirements against which dissertations are assessed, and gives students the opportunity to present their own projects and discuss them with their peers.
Courses to the value of two units from a range of options
For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.
A few important points you’ll need to know:
We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.
The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.
Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.
Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are made to improve the learning experience.
For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.
Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page.
Why study with us
Read testimonials from students who have completed our MSc programmes. Find out about their experience of the programme, what they found most valuable and how it has helped to develop their career to date.
Meet the department
Founded by Sir Karl Popper in 1946, the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method is consistently ranked among the top places in the world to study philosophy.
Our research and teaching embody LSE’s long tradition of analytic, interdisciplinary and socially engaged philosophy.
We have particular strengths in:
- the philosophy of natural and social sciences
- logic
- moral and political philosophy
- epistemology
- decision and game theory
- social choice.
Some of the world’s leading thinkers and social reformers have taught or studied at LSE – including Beatrice Webb, Bertrand Russell and, of course, Karl Popper. Today, we offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, attracting high-calibre students from across the globe.
Located in the heart of London, LSE provides one of the most exciting places in the world to study for your philosophy degree. We were ranked first in the UK in the Good University Guide 2026 and eighth in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Our research is internationally renowned. We were ranked joint third overall in the UK for the quality and impact of our research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021).
LSE has some of the best outcomes for philosophy graduates in the UK. Our graduates find rewarding and interesting careers in government, the public sector, education, teaching, NGOs and charities, and research.
Learn more about our undergraduate, MSc and PhD programmes and research.
Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK in 2025 and 2026
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025 and 20261st in London for the 14th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20265th in the world for the study of social sciences and management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th in the world for leading the way in social and environmental sustainability
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Home student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
Overseas
Overseas student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.
Fee reduction
Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate degree at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.
Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.
Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.
Scholarships and other funding
We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.
We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.
The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 23 April 2026.
In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.
You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.
Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.
Find out more about tuition fee loans.
Further information
Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
You'll typically have, for each examined course, 20 hours of lectures and 30 hours of seminars (with a guarantee that no seminar will have more than 15 students). Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide. In addition, there will be 30 hours of teaching in a dissertation research and writing seminar, in which you develop the skills needed to write a research thesis. Additional contact time concerning one-on-one dissertation and class teaching support is available during office hours and by appointment at your request. You'll be assigned an academic adviser within the department who will be available to discuss your personal and academic concerns.
You're also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.
LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.
Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
The Learning Lab is the place to discover and develop the skills you’ll need to reach your academic goals at LSE.
Through the Learning Lab, you can:
- attend practical workshops and one-to-one sessions on essay writing, conducting research, and on managing your reading lists, workloads, and deadlines
- develop your academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills to meet degree-level expectations
- work in study groups to strengthen collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service. This is the first point of contact for students.
How you're assessed
All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
Career support
From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.
Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.
See LSE Careers for further details.
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