Humanities, Philosophy and Law

Introduction

The intercalated BSc in Medical Sciences with Humanities, Philosophy and Law is a unique course that integrates approaches from medical science, ethics, law, philosophy, history and the arts. This BSc provides an intellectually stimulating and inventive learning opportunity for students who care about core values of medicine in the changing landscape of healthcare provision. The cultural contexts of medical science will be a key theme throughout the course.

Teaching is structured around three main themes: ‘the body’, ‘the mind’ and ‘death and dying’, followed by a project module for which you can choose a topic for focused, supervised study. The course is assessed through a variety of methods, for example, essays, presentations, recordings, posters and reports. There are no formal examinations.

The course is led by experienced experts in the field who have all been recognised for their excellent teaching. You will also have the opportunity to engage with renowned scientists and artists working at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary medicine and its contexts.

The London location of Imperial College offers a wealth of opportunities for field trips to museums, galleries, courts and archives. The programme emphasises creative, interactive, small-group teaching, team working, and experiential and playful learning. You will master transferable skills in critical analysis and research, and develop narrative and visual competencies. The programme will also enhance your capacity for creative problem-solving, resilience and reflection, helping to develop strategies to preserve work–life balance as you prepare to enter a demanding profession.

Location

Most teaching takes place at the South Kensington and Charing Cross Hospital (in Hammersmith) campuses, although some classes may take place at other campuses within London. Field trips are likely to include museums, galleries and archives across London and perhaps further afield, as well as a visit to the Coroner's Court.

Entry requirements

Students must be registered on a Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry degree and have successfully completed the first two years of that programme. No break in studies is permitted between the programme at the other institution and the beginning of the programme for the BSc degree.

Applicants from universities other than Imperial College will apply through a process which requires an academic transcript, one academic reference and a personal statement. Intercalating students need to demonstrate that they are likely to receive a 2:1 or 1st by supplying an academic transcript from their home institution.

Learning outcomes

1. Recognise, explain, analyse and critique key concepts in the fields of medical ethics and law, medical humanities, history of medicine and medical philosophy through engaging in formal and self-directed learning activities and assessment.
2. Demonstrate how integrating approaches from the fields of medical ethics and law, medical humanities, history of medicine and medical philosophy can complement and enrich understanding and analysis of key issues in medicine relating to the mind, the body and death through verbal, written and visual communication.
3. Situate present-day medical ideas, practices and institutions within broader historical, cultural, legal and social contexts, demonstrating direct relevance to clinical practice.
4. Explain and evaluate the ways in which creativity and creative practice can inform approaches to complex conceptual and practical problems in medicine through sustained reflective practice.
5. Cross traditional subject boundaries to appraise and interpret knowledge from a range of academic disciplines to reflect critically on an integrated approach to issues in the role of the body, the mind and issues around death and dying.

Scholarships

Students who commit to undertaking an ethics-based research project can apply for an Intercalated Scholarship from the Institute of Medical Ethics: Intercalated Scholarships 

For information on available scholarships visit our Funding and scholarship page.

What Students Say

Students report that they love the enthusiasm and passion of the teaching staff. They say they feel very well supported pastorally and academically. Students like the varied assessments and say they found them challenging and engaging. They appreciate the balance between relevant and interesting content, and fun and creative activities.

Student comments

• ‘An inspiring and supportive learning environment.’
• ‘A really nice class environment. Everyone feels confident in asking for help when needed.’
• ‘The course content exceeded my expectations and is very thoughtfully organised.’
• ‘Clearly this pathway is a product of love.’

Eligibility

This is a one-year intercalated BSc. To be eligible to apply you must:

• Be registered on a recognised Medical, Dental or Veterinary course at a UK or Irish university.
• Have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial. i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2023/24.
• Have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after completing your intercalated BSc.

Application Process

The application process for 2025-26 entry will open on Tuesday 1st October. The application deadline will be 4pm on Friday 28th February.

Selection is based on your application form and the supporting documents you will upload with your application. Please find further information about the application process in the Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide for 2024-25 entry (PDF)

If you have any queries about the application process, please email the Faculty Education Office (BSc Team) at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.

Second Round of Applications

Unsuccessful or wait-listed applicants will be given the opportunity to make a second application to any BSc course with space remaining.

Course Structure

BSc Humanities, Philosophy and Law will run from Monday 22 September 2025 until Friday 22 May 2026. The term dates can be found in the iBSc Term Dates & Course Structure_Academic Year 2024-25

The course is comprised of three modules:

• A 12-week teaching block where students gain specialism-specific knowledge and skills, alongside their core research training
• A 5-week self-directed learning block involving a clinical case study and group work
• A 14-week supervised research project

The BSc project for Humanities, Philosophy and Law is a research project that gives students a valuable opportunity to learn about research at the intersection of medicine and the humanities. The project is assessed via an oral presentation of the project and a project write-up. Students will agree a project topic with their project coordinator and may choose whether to focus on medicine and history, the arts, philosophy, ethics, or law. The project includes a ‘thinking-through-making’ component in which students make an artwork to express an aspect of their research. The artwork itself is not assessed, although the artistic choices and reflection on practice are explained in the project report which is assessed.