iBSc Sociology and Politics of Medicine

Explore the Intersections of Medicine, Society, and Policy with UCL’s Intercalated BSc in Sociology and Politics of Medicine

The UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) offers an Intercalated BSc (iBSc) in Sociology and Politics of Medicine, designed to study the intricate relationships between medicine and society. This programme aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how social, cultural, and political contexts shape the practice of medicine—and how, in turn, medicine transforms society.

Rooted in the conceptual foundations of sociology of medicine, science policy and governance, and science communication and engagement, this iBSc offers an interdisciplinary approach that is unique in the UK to UCL STS. Students will explore the dynamic interplay between health, social and political systems, and technological innovation, leveraging UCL STS’s distinctive expertise in these areas.

Develop Skills for Diverse Career Pathways

In addition to its rigorous academic framework, this programme equips students with a diverse skill set that opens pathways to careers beyond clinical or research medicine. Medicine intersects with a variety of professional fields: policymaking, regulation, journalism, technological development, ethics, and analysis. This degree provides medical students with complementary skills to enhance their portfolios, preparing them for roles that influence healthcare systems and policy on a broader scale.

Why Choose This iBSc?

Our programme is designed to enrich your perspective, analytical skills, and confidence in reflecting critically on the broader context of medical practice. While our primary goal is to help you become a better doctor—capable of understanding the "why" behind medical systems and decisions—we also aim to prepare you for collaborative roles in the global medical community. Whether you’re interested in research, writing, or independent thinking, this iBSc will position you to engage meaningfully with the diverse professions that shape modern medicine.

What Will You Gain

The Sociology and Politics of Medicine programme offers modules grounded in real-world relevance and academic rigor. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and independent research, students will develop skills in:

Critical thinking and reflection
Research design and execution
Professional empathy and problem-solving
Effective communication across multiple formats

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

Describe and apply key concepts in sociology of medicine, science policy, governance, and science communication
Relate academic research to current practices in medical research and clinical work
Analyse and interpret emerging topics using interdisciplinary perspectives from science and technology studies
Demonstrate strong writing, engagement, and communication skills
Conduct independent research and tackle novel case studies with

How does this iBSc in Sociology and Politics of Medicine align with GMC Outcomes for Graduates?

This program emphasizes the sociocultural and political aspects of medicine, which aligns strongly with the GMC Outcomes for Graduates by fostering a nuanced understanding of healthcare systems, patient diversity, and public health challenges.

Professional Values and Behaviours

Ethical and Professional Responsibilities: Students learn to critically reflect on ethical and social justice issues in healthcare, fostering a deep commitment to equity and inclusion in medical practice.
Person-Centred Care: The program’s focus on sociological and political systems helps students understand patient perspectives, particularly regarding social determinants of health, and patients embodied knowledge, enhancing compassionate care.

Professional Skills

Communication Skills: Training in science communication and engagement equips students with the ability to discuss complex social and medical issues effectively with diverse audiences, including patients and policymakers.
Dealing with Complexity and Uncertainty: Students explore the interplay between societal structures and health, equipping them to navigate and manage uncertainty in patient care, particularly for marginalized communities.

Professional Knowledge

Applying Social Science Principles: Core to this program is understanding how sociological factors influence health outcomes, healthcare access, and patient compliance, directly addressing this outcome.
Health Promotion and Illness Prevention: By evaluating how policy, culture, and social systems impact health, students have critical view on public health interventions and advocacy strategies.
The Health Service and Healthcare Systems: The program’s emphasis on governance and policy analysis aligns with understanding the operation of healthcare systems, preparing students for roles in leadership or advocacy.

By enriching students’ understanding of medicine through a sociological, political, historical, and philosophical lenses, STS equips future doctors to meet GMC Outcomes for Graduates. They foster skills in communication, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary analysis, all while preparing students to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare with a broader, more empathetic perspective. With a focus on policy, governance, and ethics, these degrees prepare students to take leadership roles and advocate for systemic changes in healthcare when and where necessary. The reflective and analytical nature of these degrees aligns with the GMC's emphasis on professional development and lifelong learning.

Discover the Bigger Picture of Medicine

This intercalated degree prepares medical students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the many fields intersecting with medicine. Whether your future lies in clinical practice, research, or in health policy or technology, the iBSc in Sociology and Politics of Medicine will provide the tools you need to excel.

Contact our iBSc Tutor:

Dr Erman Sözüdoğru
STS iBSc Tutor
UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS)
sts-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Compulsory Modules

Students on the programme take the following compulsory modules:

Optional Modules

Students also take an additional three modules from a list of options (please note that this list is indicative only and module options can vary each year):

Recent Dissertation Topics

Exploring UK Medical Students' Understandings of and Attitudes Towards the Use of AI Tools in Healthcare: A Mixed Methods Study
CRISPR and Equality: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation in China
Are Medical Regulations Fit to Fulfill Their Purpsose in Healthcare: An Analysis of Medical Scandals in the UK to Understand the Evolution of Medical Regulations and their Efficiency
Women: The Invisible Victims in the U.S. War on Drugs
Blocked in Belgrade: Exploring and Justifying the Changing Needs and Values in Refugee Healthcare Provision from Emergency to Post-Emergency State

Application

Fees and Funding

For information on fees, costs and funding, please see the Intercalated BSc Prospectus. If you are an applicant from a medical programme external to UCL, please see the Further Information page for external iBSc applicants.

Application process

For details of how to apply please see the Medical School website. If you are an external applicant, please see the iBSc webpage for external candidates.