History of Science, Technology and Medicine, MA

Course content

In your first semester you'll take a core module introducing you to different approaches and debates in history of science, technology and medicine, as well as how they have been used over time to help us understand scientific developments. You'll build on this in the following semester with a second core module that will give you a foundation in historical skills and research methods, equipping you to work critically and sensitively with primary and secondary sources.

You'll have the chance to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you've gained in your dissertation, which you'll submit by the end of the year. This is an independently researched piece of work on a topic of your choice within the history of science, technology and medicine - and you can choose to take an extended dissertation if you want to go into even greater depth.

Throughout the year you'll be able to choose from a range of optional modules, allowing you to develop your knowledge by specialising in a topic of your choice such as science and religion historically considered, or science in the museum. You'll take one optional module if you take the extended dissertation, or two if you do the standard dissertation.

If you choose to study part-time, you'll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

You'll take three compulsory modules, though you can choose whether to take a standard (60 credits) or extended (90 credits) dissertation. You'll then choose one or two optional modules.

• Historical Skills and Practices 30 credits
• Current Approaches in the History of Science, Technology & Medicine 30 credits

Optional modules

• The European Enlightenment 30 credits
• Lifecycles: Birth, Death and Illness in the Middle Ages 30 credits
• Science and Religion Historically Considered 30 credits
• History & Theory of Modern Science Communication 30 credits
• Special Option (History of Science) 30 credits
• Science in the Museum: Interpretations & Practices 30 credits
• The Origin of Modern Medicine (Birth of the Clinic) 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read History of Science, Technology and Medicine MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read History of Science, Technology and Medicine MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Most of our taught modules combine seminars and tutorials, where you will discuss issues and concepts stemming from your reading with a small group of students and your tutor. You'll also benefit from one-to-one supervision while you complete your dissertation. Independent study is also an important element of the programme, allowing you to develop your skills and pursue your own interests more closely.

Assessment

We assess your progress using a combination of exams and coursework, giving you the freedom to research and write on topic areas that suit your interests within each module you study.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in a related subject.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).

How to apply

There's no final deadline for applications to this programme, but we recommend that UK/EU candidates apply at least two weeks before the start of the course. International candidates should try to allow at least a month.

We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, especially if you're hoping to apply for scholarships or need to allow time for obtaining a visa or moving to Leeds.

• Apply (Full time)
• Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

Copies of your degree certificate and full transcript, or a partial transcript if you're still studying.

Two academic references.

Sample of written work: an essay on a related subject of your choice of around 2,000-3,000 words. All samples must be typed and in English.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: £7,250 (total)

International: £17,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

You'll gain a range of in-depth subject knowledge throughout this programme, as well as a set of high-level transferable skills in research, analysis, interpretation and oral and written communication that are very attractive to employers.

As a result, you'll be equipped for a wide range of careers. Some of these will make direct use of your subject knowledge, such as museum work or public engagement with science, while your skills will enable you to succeed in fields such as business and finance, publishing, IT and teaching.

Graduates of our School also regularly go onto careers in journalism, the media, social work, human resources, PR, recruitment and the charity sector. Many also continue with their studies at PhD level and pursue careers in academia.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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