Five reasons to join Sociology and Politics of Science

UCL Science and Technology Studies Digital Student Ambassador Jinyang writes about the interdisciplinary, personalised elements of the BSc Sociology and Politics of Science.

If you're intrigued by how science, society, and politics intertwine, then you're in the right place! Welcome to UCL's one-of-a-kind programme – Sociology and Politics of Science BSc with the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). As a second-year STS student, I'm excited to share my own experiences and outline five compelling reasons I chose to study this programme and why it might just be the ideal match for you.

If you have interests in sociology and STEM:

In contrast to conventional political and sociological programmes that often centre on topics like democracy or human rights, UCL's programme distinguishes itself by delving deeply into the intricacies of the politics and sociology of science. In my first-year module, "Investigating Sociology and Politics of Science," I was genuinely impressed by the wealth of knowledge I acquired. We explored the nuanced relationships between science and society, drawing on classical theories from influential figures such as Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Du Bois.

What particularly struck me was how our professors seamlessly bridged these abstract theories with real-world scientific scenarios. Through engaging discussions and thought-provoking examples, they illustrated how science is intertwined with various social dynamics. This approach not only deepened our understanding of sociological concepts but also shed light on the different influences that shape scientific progress. For example, our professor talked about lab work, highlighting the importance of not just rationality-driven planning and formulas, but also the experimenter's own instincts. He shared the anecdote of his daughter learning to ride a bike without relying on textbooks, illustrating how individuals often possess knowledge beyond what they can articulate. This example greatly helped me differentiate between tinkering and tacit knowledge in a sociological context.

If you have a STEM background and harbour an interest in sociology and politics, this programme offers a distinctive lens through which to view the evolution of science. By delving into topics such as the societal implications of scientific advancements and the impact of political forces on research agendas, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the broader social context in which science operates. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhanced my comprehension of scientific phenomena but also equipped me with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world.

Develop your ideas through essay writing:

Don't be deceived by the programme's "science" label – it's much more than that. Throughout my first year, I tackled a multitude of essays, totalling over 15, and it was an incredibly enriching experience. These assignments weren't just about regurgitating facts; they challenged me to think critically and communicate my ideas effectively.

Writing philosophical papers about science was really interesting. It felt like I was diving deep into the very essence of science itself, unravelling the thoughts of philosophers to understand why they perceived things the way they did. What started as simple questions, like who can become scientists or whether they should remain politically neutral, morphed into complex, thought-provoking puzzles that pushed the boundaries of my understanding. Moreover, mastering the art of expressing intricate ideas effectively isn't just useful in academic settings – it's crucial in any professional setting. Whether you're communicating with colleagues, presenting ideas to clients, or crafting reports for your superiors, the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and convincingly can make all the difference in your career advancement. 

Personalized Exploration through a wide range of modules:

What really surprised me about this programme was its extensive range of modules. It's not limited to just science and politics; they offer classes on philosophy, religion, history, and even public communication. This diversity means that you have the flexibility to choose subjects that truly interest you and align with your passions.

In my first year, I found myself drawn to contemplating the big questions in science, beyond its practical applications. This realization prompted me to explore topics such as science ethics and the realism of science in my second year. By delving deeper into these areas, I was able to shape what I was studying around what truly sparked my curiosity. The diverse course offerings at STS have also allowed me to tailor my studies to pursue my intellectual interests. Recently, the course I'm taking on early warning systems has sparked my interest in this emerging field. It's inspiring me to dive deeper and engage as much as I can during my breaks.

Intimate Learning Environment in Small-Scale Seminars:

One of the standout features of STS is our seminar sessions. With class sizes typically capped at around 10 students, these gatherings offer a cozy and conducive environment for meaningful interactions. I remember going to a seminar on science ethics with two professors and less than a dozen students. We were able to delve deeply into discussions, exploring a wide range of topics that went beyond the confines of the course curriculum. I felt like an equal participant, engaging in philosophical discussions rather than simply being a student.

These small groups made it easy for everyone to share their thoughts, and everyone's ideas were respected. Whether we were talking about the course material or something else entirely, everyone had a chance to speak up. This helped me understand the subject better and improved my critical thinking and communication skills a lot.

Endless Opportunities for Enrichment and Career Growth:

The programme coordinators make things interesting by sending out weekly emails about academic lectures, readings, and career talks. These events aren't just for the classroom – they give us insights into different career options. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of job opportunities discussed during one of these talks, especially in today's fast-changing world of science and technology. It's fascinating to learn about all the different paths we could take!

Events such as the Insight workshop and Careers Discovery lectures also help us connect with professionals in various fields, which can be really helpful for our future careers. Plus, they keep us updated on the latest trends and advancements in our field, which is super important as we plan our next steps. Overall, the programme does a great job of preparing us for life beyond graduation.

So, what's holding you back? Join me at UCL and embark on an enriching journey into the Sociology and Politics of Science. Trust me, it's a ride you won't want to miss!

Author: Jinyang Wu
Photo Credit: UCL Digital Media