History of Science, Technology and Medicine
This has been CHSTM’s flagship Masters award for over twenty years. It is the most appropriate award route for students who are interested in HSTM in general, or in the history of the physical sciences in particular.
Its flexible course structure allows students to study a wide range of case studies, from the emergence of professional scientific disciplines such as physics and biology, to the growth of ‘Big Science’ in the Cold war era, to 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 cases. We particularly stress the integrated understanding of HSTM through consideration of sites, institutions, and schools of thought and practice. We also pay particular attention to how scientists and medics have communicated with non-specialist audiences.
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.
This MSc is appropriate for students from any disciplinary background. It works both as an advanced study course for students with undergraduate experience in HSTM, and as a conversion route for students from other backgrounds (often in the sciences, but also including general history, social policy, and other fields).
[-] 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 science, technology and medicine (HSTM) in their wider social, economic, cultural and political contexts, and in relation to how scientific specialists communicate with non-specialists.
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)
Any two of the following:
- Medicine, science and modernity (30)
- Medical history and humanities (30)
- Shaping the sciences (30)
- Making modern technology (30)
- Science communication (30)
plus:
- Dissertation in the history of science, technology and/or medicine (60)
[-] Careers
Many students go on to PhD research in the history of science, technology and medicine. Others have developed relevant careers in museums, libraries and archives; teaching; journalism and copywriting; science and healthcare policy and advisory work; and non-laboratory-based science.