UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies

• home
• people
• staff websites
• admissions
  • BSc degrees
  • Study Abroad/JYA
  • MSc degrees
    • History and Philosophy of Science MSc
    • Science, Technology, and Society MSc
    • MSc module catalogue
    • apply now
    • funding
    • open days and interviews
    • fees
    • FAQs
    • why study here?
  • PhD degrees
  • BSc (intercal)
• HPSC modules
• current undergraduates
• current masters students
• current PhD students
• research
• vacancies
• reunion 2013
• staff intranet
• news
• calendar
• contact STS

Masters degrees (MSc)

Starting September 2013, we're offering a newly re-organised postgraduate taught Masters programme. Full-time and Part-time options are available. We build on decades of experience, and we continue with vitality and fresh perspectives. Admissions for 2013-14 are underway. Click on "apply now".

Two degrees

History and Philosophy  of Science MSc	Develop breadth and depth with our experts in history of science, philosophy of science, and "integrated HPS," an interdisciplinary speciality we helped create.  Programme Codes: TMSHPSSING01 (MSc) TPPHPSSING01 (PGDip) TCPHPSSING01 (PGCert) (more | pdf flyer)
Science, Technology, and Society MSc	Study contemporary science using a variety of disciplines: science policy and governance, science communication and engagement, and sociology of science. This is done against historical and philosophical backdrops.  Programme Codes: TMSHPSSSTS01 (MSc) TPPHPSSSTS01 (PGDip) TCPHPSSSTS01 (PGCert) (more | pdf flyer)

Lots of variety

UCL has an enormous variety of taught Masters modules. Our degree and diploma students have access to that variety as part of these programmes: from museum studies to metaphysics, from energy policy to electronic publishing.

The full module catalogue of Master's level modules offered by the department is here:

• 2013-14 (link)

Range of qualifications

Each subject may be pursued in any of four routes.

Masters degree  (MSc)  full-time	This is a 1-year, full-time programme involving a core introductory module, 3 specialist options, 2 electives from any UCL programme, and a dissertation.
Masters degree  (MSc)  part-time	Same as the full-time degree, but pursued over 2 calendar years.
Postgraduate Diploma  (PG Dip)	This involves completing 6 modules over one year. No dissertation. Ideal for external qualifications, such as for secondary school teachers. No part-time option.
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert or PGC)	This involves completing 3 modules over the year. Ideal for skills training, refreshment, and continuing professional development (CPD). No part-time option.

Lots of experience

STS has been delivering Masters programmes since the 1920s, first with an emphasis on history of science and philosophy of science. 

Since the 1990s, we have been a partner in the London Centre for the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology, run jointly between UCL and Imperial College London's Centre for the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine (CHOSTM). The London Centre closes in 2013, owing to Imperial College London's decision to withdraw from our underlying partnership agreement, as well as the end of the Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine at UCL (WTCHOM). 

Meanwhile, UCL STS continues to grow. 

With the London Centre a celebrated part of our legacy, STS staff are transferring our expertise and experience to our new programme, adding to it so we make the most of our department and all of UCL. 

Application deadline

The deadline for applications to our graduate level programmes is 2 August for entry in September, but we encourage early application to avoid a rejection due to oversubscription. 

If you are applying for funding, please note that you might need to apply much earlier. Funding bodies often have quite early deadlines themselves. In most cases applicants must have received an offer of a place before any request for funding is considered.

Our application process can take several weeks; please apply in good time. 

The application process may be delayed when documentation (such as references) are delayed.

For help with the application process, use the guide (link)

Minimum entrance requirements

The minimum entrance requirement normally is a second class undergraduate degree from a UK institution, or the equivalent from an overseas institution (e.g., US/Canadian GPA=3.0/4.0). Applicants with a lower degree result may be considered, providing they have either an adequate academic background or have relevant work experience.

UCL specifies and recognises a range of other UK and international qualifications. Such applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

STS encourages applications from individuals with significant life experience in our fields of study.

STS follows UCL's admissions regulations for postgraduate taught masters programme (link).

Writing sample for your application

All applicants for STS graduate programmes must submit a writing sample of around 2000 words. The piece should be indicative of your academic abilities, and can be something already written for a previous course, or can be something new. The writing sample should be uploaded to the online application system.

Language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of their command of the language. Due to the nature of our subject areas the level of English required by STS is higher than that set by UCL. 

For admission to our programmes, applicants need to demonstrate English language proficiency at UCL’s “Good” level at least. UCL's English language proficiency levels, and the various ways to meet them, are described here (link). 

Interviews

Interviews are not compulsory, but applicants may be invited to an interview with the admissions team, either at UCL, via phone, or via online connections. If you'd prefer an interview, please let us know.

What are we looking for?

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

1. why you want to study this degree at graduate level
2. why you want to study this subject at UCL
3. what particularly attracts you to this programme in particular
4. how your academic and/or professional background meets the demands of a challenging academic environment
5. where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme offers.

Questions?

Contact our MSc Admissions team <sts-msc-admissions@ucl.ac.uk>.

---

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
street address: 22 Gordon Square, London, WC1E 6BT | maps