Science, Technology, and Society MSc

This programme is custom-built for two sorts of students: (1) those seeking advanced training in the field in preparation for further work, such as PhD research, and (2) those seeking skill development and professional qualification.

All modules are designed for efficient use of your time. Each is structured around 20 classroom hours (normally 2 hours per week over a 10-week teaching term). Assessment varies between modules. Some ask for one 5,000 word essay. Others ask for combinations of shorter writing, or they develop different types of projects. A full-time student's week typically involves 4x2-hour seminars, independent study, research and writing time, plus participation in the busy social and intellectual life of London's largest STS/HPS department.

UCL information for this degree (link).

Programme structure (degree)

One compulsory module

HPSCGA01 Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
This module introduces key concepts and literature associated with STS and related specialties.

Three STS options

Students select three option modules from our STS catalogue.

This includes modules in science policy and governance, science communication and engagement, and sociology of science. Some modules survey the discipline. Others are research-led, using our expertise to develop your skills at the cutting edge.

Our catalogue of STS modules includes:

Science in the Twentieth Century and Beyond
Science, Security, and Social Research
Sociology of Science and Technology
Curating the History of Science
Science, Media, and Culture
Practical Science Communication and Engagement
Science, Technology, and Identity
Responsible Science and Emerging Technologies
Special Topics Seminar in STS

Also, because some of the HPS options we offer may equally be useful for STS students, we will consider substitutions that create a coherent programme of study. We want to be flexible, and we know ours is a broad and interdisciplinary field.

Not every STS module is taught every year, and these titles are subject to change. They do provide a sense of the depth and breadth on offer in the degree.

Two electives

Students select two elective modules from within our department or across UCL.

UCL has Masters-level modules in many, many fields. We've built our programme with flexibility so you can explore in directions you choose. If you want, you can focus in the department on STS and HPS, selecting other modules within our programme. If you seek complementary topics, we can guide you to the right choices.

Dissertation

Students undertake a research project of their own design, completing a 10,000-12,000 word dissertation. They work under the supervision of our academic staff.

Part-time option

Full-time students complete the degree in one year. Part-time student complete the degree in two years, normally following this plan:

Year 1
-HPSCGA01 plus one other module in Term 1
-two or three modules in Term 2

Year 2
-two or three modules in Term 1
-any remaining modules in Term 2
-Dissertation

Other options

Post-Graduate Diploma (PG Dip) follows the same structure as the degree, without the dissertation.

Post-Graduate Certificate (PG Cert or PGC) requires three modules only, including HPSCGA01, our programme-wide survey module, plus two HPS options from our catalogue.

Diplomas and Certificates have no part-time option.

MSc Science, Technology and Society

Programme Code: TMSHPSSSTM01

Faculty Code: MAPS

PG Dip Code: TPPHPSSSTS01

PG Cert Code: TCPHPSSSTS01

Page last modified on 03 mar 13 16:07 by Joe Cain

UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS)
0207 679 1328 office | +44 207 679 1328 international
sts@ucl.ac.uk | www.ucl.ac.uk/sts | @stsucl
postal address: Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT | United Kingdom
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