MSc History of Science, Technology and Medicine
University of Manchester
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( 4.1)

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

The University of Manchester

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

The University of Manchester

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

The University of Manchester

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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History
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Course info

Course description Our taught MSc in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (HSTM) focuses on key topics from the 19th century to the present, and gives students a critical perspective on global challenges such as: The history of climate change Questions about trust and expertise The relationship between information technology and society Science, race and empire The politics of public health and access to medical care The degree focuses on humanities skills, but can be taken ...Read more

Course description

  • Our taught MSc in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (HSTM) focuses on key topics from the 19th century to the present, and gives students a critical perspective on global challenges such as:
  • The history of climate change
  • Questions about trust and expertise
  • The relationship between information technology and society
  • Science, race and empire
  • The politics of public health and access to medical care
  • The degree focuses on humanities skills, but can be taken successfully by students from any disciplinary background.
  • Our flexible curriculum provides breadth and choice across the history of science, technology and medicine, allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your interests.
  • The new placement option allows you to gain transferable skills for employment by working with museums, charities, policy organisations and heritage bodies.
  • You will become and integrated member of a research community with dedicated facilities and a vibrant seminar programme.
  • You will learn from and work with world-leading staff, whose expertise encompasses political, social, and cultural approaches to the history of science, technology and medicine, from both national and global perspectives.

Aims

This course aims to:

  • explore how science, technology and medicine have become integral to the ways in which we order, imagine and experience modern societies
  • provide opportunities to study significant historical and contemporary topics in depth, by working with experts across a number of fields and specialisms
  • prepare you for further academic study or employment by supporting the development of writing and presentation skills, and providing opportunities to gain professional experience outside universities
  • enable you to produce a major piece of original research and writing in the form of a dissertation.

Teaching and learning

Teaching includes a mixture of lectures and small-group seminar discussions built around readings and other materials. We emphasise the use both of primary sources, and of current research in the field.

Most students will also visit local museums and other sites of interest to work on objects or archives.

All students meet regularly with a mentor from the Centre's PhD community, a designated personal tutor from among the staff, and, from Semester 2, a dissertation supervisor.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is mostly based on traditional essay-format coursework submission.

All MSc students undertake a research dissertation accounting for 60 of the 180 credits.

Career opportunities

Many of our MSc students go on to PhD research, whether in the history of science, technology and medicine itself, in other fields of history, or in a range of allied subjects including historical geography, science and technology studies, and museum studies.

Other MSc graduates have gone on to a diverse range of careers involving a significant element of specialist expertise on the role of science or medicine in society. These include museums, science centres and the heritage sector; libraries and archives; the civil service; media production; journalism; specialist public relations; and technical authorship and editing.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
63/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
11th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
22nd

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

We require an Upper Second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent in an appropriate discipline, which may include humanities or science subjects. You should provide transcripts or study plans indicating performance on the most relevant course content. Applicants may also be accepted based on evidence of alternative study, research or professional experience that meets the University's central requirements. This course is also available for intercalating medical students, both from the University of Manchester and other UK universities, upon completion of their third year. For St Andrews students, this includes the three-year course plus the following one or two years spent in Manchester. Intercalating medical students need to have passed all assessments at first attempt (if they are third year) or have no fails in third year if they are fourth year.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£11,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£28,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£28,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Manchester
Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Manchester Piccadilly  0.3 miles away
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