MSc History of Science, Technology and Medicine: The University of Manchester

Course 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 their 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.

Career opportunities

This programme is designed for students who intend to go on to PhD research, or to develop careers in museums, teaching, the media, science policy work or non-laboratory-based science.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: 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.

English language: For MSc applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 7.0, TOEFL 600 (paper based), TOEFL 250 (computer based) or TOEFL 100 (internet based) is required as a minimum.