Medical humanities (direct entry)
This MSc award is designed for students who want to focus on the history of the biosciences and medicine, and their relationship to human culture more generally. The course introduces the field through case studies such as the MMR controversy and the history of anti-vaccinationism; Nazi medical experiments and the Nuremberg code of medical ethics; and the complex history of the National Health Service.
The course consists of lectures, seminars and tutorials. It combines a general introduction to the history of science, technology and medicine (HSTM) with a range of more specialised studies: reflecting CHSTM’s established research strengths, these focus on nineteenth- and twentieth-century history, with particular attention to medical technologies, and to the development of the institutions which currently shape medicine and healthcare.
The course promotes transferable skills in research, critical writing, presentation and discussion. Students will gain experience in historical essay-writing before researching and writing an extensive dissertation on a specialised topic, supervised by experienced researchers.
Students on the stand-alone direct entry Masters will study alongside intercalating medical students, following the same taught curriculum. The course does not, however, require a medical background. It is suitable for students with any disciplinary training, provided they have a strong interest in the history of the life sciences, medicine or healthcare. It functions both as an advanced study course for students with undergraduate experience in HSTM, and as a conversion route for students from other backgrounds including science, medicine and related areas.
[-] Aims
To provide a general, integrated overview of major developments in science, technology and medicine (HSTM) across modern history, and of how the writing of HSTM has changed in the past two generations.
To provide a focused survey of current approaches to the nineteenth- and twentieth-century history of medicine, healthcare and the biosciences in their wider social, economic, cultural and political contexts.
To enable students to conduct specialised study in areas of current research interest.
To develop students’ general skills in historical research, critical investigation and writing.
[-] Course structure
You are required to complete 180 credits in the following course units to be awarded this MSc:
Semester 1 course units (credits)
- Major Themes in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (30)
- HSTM Skills 1: Methods and Approaches (15)
- HSTM Skills 2: Practical Research Skills (15)
Semester 2 course units (credits)
- Medicine, science and modernity (30)
- Medical history and humanities (30)
- Dissertation in medical history and humanities (60)
[-] Careers
Many students go on to PhD research in the history of medicine or related areas. Others have developed relevant careers in science and healthcare policy; museums, libraries and archives; teaching; journalism and copywriting; and non-laboratory-based science.