History of Science, Technology and Medicine MSc

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.

The 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.

Students register for a common programme, but may specialise into one of our named awards.

We offer five award routes depending on which optional course units you choose:

• History of Science, Technology and Medicine
• Medical Humanities (intercalated MSc for medical students)
• Medical Humanities (direct entry)
• Science Communication
• Research Methods in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine

Many of our students obtain funding via the AHRC or Wellcome Trust; see the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine website for current details.

'The Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM) is renowned for the quality of its teaching, as well as the research that takes place there, so I didn't hesitate to accept their offer of study. Manchester also has the largest student population in the country, and as a result is a popular recruiting ground for graduate employers. Thus, I thought it would further increase my chances of obtaining a graduate job by studying here.'

Jonathan Livingston

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Please refer to the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine website for the lastest information.