Research Methods in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine
This route is an alternative to the core CHSTM MSc programme. It emphasises research methods, and is more closely focused on developing a PhD project. The programme has ESRC approval for funding applications in the economic and social history of science, technology and medicine.
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 in nineteenth- and twentieth-century cases. The programme emphasises quantitative and qualitative research skills (to the level specified by the ESRC) and the practical techniques of historical research. It culminates in the use of primary historical materials and analysis in a comprehensive dissertation leading to a PhD application.
The course draws on course units provided by the University's School of Social Sciences for the ESRC-specific elements of generic research training.
This MSc is suitable for students with any disciplinary training, provided they have a strong commitment to HSTM research. It is typically taken by students who have been allocated ESRC 1+3 (combined Masters and PhD) studentships, but might in exceptional circumstances be open to others.
[-] Aims
To produce high-calibre, self-directed researchers in the history of science, technology and medicine, and to act as a thorough foundation course for students wishing to undertake doctoral research in HSTM, either at Manchester or elsewhere;
To produce graduates capable of meeting the needs of employers in social science-related fields where a broad understanding of the social and economic aspects of STM is required;
To give students a comprehensive introduction to intellectual issues and perspectives in the history of science, technology and medicine, particularly for the period post-1750;
To provide an opportunity for students to study a particular historical topic in depth, encouraging them to develop their practical, critical and presentational skills to the highest level possible in their exploration of that topic, and their awareness of current problems at the forefront of the discipline;
To encourage students to take a wider historical perspective on issues of contemporary concern, e.g. the public understanding of science, the nature of scientific and medical expertise and the relationships between technology and society, and to be aware of and develop ways of disseminating their ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
To give students a comprehensive introduction to important issues and key ideas in the history of science, technology and medicine.
[-] 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)
- Introduction to Quantitative Methods (provided by the School of Social Sciences) (15)
Semester 2 course units (credits)
- Any one 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 any THREE of the following qualitative methods courses provided by Social Sciences:
- Archival Research (5)
- Elite Interviewing (5)
- Practising Participant Observation (5)
- Working with Memory (5)
- Photography as Research Method (5)
- Fuzzy Set Analysis (5)
- Non-Parametric Statistics (5)
- Qualitative Comparative Analysis (5)
- Qualitative Research Methods: Doing Interviews (5)
- Qualitative Research Methods: Focus Groups (5)
- Qualitative Research Methods: Narrative Analysis (5)
Plus:
- Dissertation in the history of science, technology and/or medicine (60)
[-] Careers
This course is designed for students who intend to go on to PhD research in the economic and social history of science, technology and medicine.