ObjectivesThe course is designed to provides a comprehensive introduction to the nineteenth- and twentieth-century history of science, technology and medicine (HSTM) in their wider social, economic, cultural and political contexts, and to the growing field of science communication. A choice of specialised option units in the second semester, and a dissertation project, allow students to conduct specialised study in areas of current research interest. The Programme is designed to provide both a conversion course for those new to HSTM and Science Communication and advanced study for students with prior experience.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: An Upper Second-class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in an appropriate discipline. An applicant may also be exceptionally accepted based on evidence of previous advanced study, research or professional experience, which the University accepts as qualifying for entry.
Academic titleHistory of Science, Technology and Medicine MSc
Course descriptionCourse description
This innovative MSc programme aims to provide a comprehensive historical introduction to nineteenth- and twentieth-century science, technology and medicine in their wider social, economic, cultural and political contexts, including science communication and the relationship between science and the public. It also offers systematic training in historical approaches to a wide variety of scientific, technical and medical knowledge and practices. It is designed for students from a variety of disciplines. Currently we have students from arts, social science, natural sciences and engineering backgrounds on our programme. The programme is suitable for science graduates who have decided not to follow a career as a laboratory scientist, but who wish to stay in science and pursue other careers, and for humanities graduates interested in exploring the changing form and function of science, technology and medicine in societies past and present.
Module details
All students register for a common programme, but may specialise into one of five named awards:
-MSc in History of Science, Technology and Medicine
-MSc in History of Science and Technology
-MSc in History of Medicine
-MSc in History of Medicine (Intercalated)
-MSc in Science Communication
The common core, taught in Semester 1, provides a general grounding in the integrated field and incorporates two Research Methods courses: one, providing general historical skills, is taught through the SAGE programme in the Faculty of Humanities; the other, on specific HSTM methods, is taught within CHSTM.
In Semester 2, students select from our specialised option courses:
-Nineteenth-century Physical Sciences and Technology
-Nineteenth-century Biosciences and Medicine
-Science Communication
-Twentieth-century Physical Sciences and Technology
-Twentieth-century Biosciences and Medicine
-Science, Nature, Museums
The dissertation provides an opportunity for a more extensive specialist investigation, working with a member of staff with research interests in a relevant area. The balance of option choices and the topic of the dissertation determine the MSc awarded.