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Science, Technology and Society MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This programme gives you the opportunity to study the main contexts of contemporary science and technology; gain a broad base in science policy, communication, sociology and engagement; enjoy flexibility in specialisation; and work in an interdisciplinary environment with research experts.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£15,100
£7,550
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£31,100
£15,550
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class (2.1) Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The programme provides broad-based training in three disciplines: science policy and governance; science communication, engagement, and evaluation; and sociology of modern science and technology. This programme encourages specialised investigation and interdisciplinary integration. Our degree works in dialogue with our sister MSc programme in History and Philosophy of Science, which adds historical and analytical depth to our offer.

Who this course is for

The programme is suitable for students with first degrees in a variety of subjects including natural sciences, social sciences, history, philosophy, other humanities, engineering and medicine. It can serve as a foundation for PhD research, or as preparation for a career in teaching, mass media, science and technology, policy, museums or scientific societies.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

We have award-winning tutors, public engagement and fantastic academic programmes. As a department, Science & Technology Studies is respected across UCL for our dedication to teaching and learning. We commit ourselves to creating academic experiences that reward hard work.

We are research active over an enormous range of topics. Our teaching builds on research not only in our subject specialities but also in the fundamentals of teaching and learning.

Our programme makes unique use of London’s attractions and resources. The module HPSC0089 Curating Science and Technology is taught at the Science Museum.

We have close links with the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Wellcome Library, and UCL Museums & Collections. We also use the city as a classroom, with custom-made walking tours, site visits, and special excursions.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Our programme provides essential training and study for students wishing to pursue PhD level study in several fields, and also provides appropriate training and qualifications sought by individuals pursuing careers in areas such as education, museum and archival curatorship, or administration and policy-making in science, engineering and health care.

Graduates have gone on to roles in sectors including; academic research and HE; charities, NGOs and international development; health and social care; and IT, technology and telecoms.

Employability

The programme offers a range of transferable skills and networking opportunities. No matter whether your career plan looks towards the public or private sector, we can help you build a portfolio of skills and contacts that will give your CV the edge. Highlights of the programme include:

  • the chance to develop practical media skills, including audio production
  • learning to write for different audiences
  • developing your skills in both practical and theoretical science communication, including working in a major London museum
  • to meet and network with policy makers.

Networking

There may be department and/or student organised alumni events, career events, lecture series, workshops, etc. that allow for networking.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. You'll also be expected to take part in both guided and self-guided personal work. Assessment is carried out through a blend of formative and summative assessment methods. 

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials and research supervision. Student performance is assessed through coursework such as long and short essays, presentations, blog pieces, and project work.

On average it is expected that a student spends 150 hours studying for each 15 credit module. This includes teaching time, private study and coursework. Modules are usually taught in two hour sessions over 10 weeks each term.

The Postgraduate Diploma programme consists of one core module (15 credits), five optional modules (75 credits) and two elective modules (30 credits), available in full time or part time mode. Postgraduate Certificate students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits. The programme consists of one core module (15 credits), and three optional modules (45 credits), studied over one year.

Modules

You will undertake 8 taught modules over the course of the programme of study over two terms and a research dissertation in term 3 

Full time structure: 

Term One: 

You will take 1 compulsory module and 3 optional modules.

Term Two: 

You will take 4 optional modules. 

Term Three:

 The dissertation planning commences with the research and writing conducted in term three and the summer. 

Part time structure:  

Year One:

In term one you will take 1 compulsory module and 1 optional module.  
In term two you will take 2 optional modules.  

Year Two: 
In term one you will take 2 optional modules.  
In term two you will take 2 optional modules.  
In term three and over the summer you will complete the research dissertation.

Compulsory modules




Optional modules





Knowledge, Explanation and Classification in Science

Science in the Twentieth Century and Beyond










Health, Difference and Inequality



Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

MSc students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Science, Technology and Society. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Science, Technology and Society. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Science, Technology and Society.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £15,100 £7,550
Tuition fees (2024/25) £31,100 £15,550

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students are responsible for travel costs within London. Travel within London is likely to be covered in travel cards students obtain for travelling to UCL. A single day travel card is £13.90.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Science, Technology and Society at graduate level
  • why you want to study Science, Technology and Society at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • 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 will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Science and Technology Studies
Science and Technology Studies

sts-msc-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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