iBSc Sociology and Politics of Medicine

This iBSc approaches modern medicine through the lens collaborating activities: (1) ethics and philosophy of science, (2) science policy and governance, and (3) science communication and engagement.

It offers a package of modules rich with real-world knowledge set firmly within core academic frameworks. It also delivers key skills associated with original research, critical thinking, analysis, and reflection.

Medicine doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It is surrounded, shaped, and enabled by collaborating activities. The primary aim of our programme is to prepare medical students for careers in which these subjects are encountered on a regular basis. The secondary aim is skill-development. Medicine, as a professional domain, includes many careers other than clinical practice and life at the research bench. Policy makers and regulators, journalists and funders, technology developers, ethicists and analysts all play key roles. Skill development in these areas can add complementary assets to an otherwise-standard portfolio. It also can open firm new career possibilities should clinical or research medicine lose their appeal.

By the end of the SPM programme, students should be able to:

describe key concepts and knowledge in (1) ethics and philosophy of science, (2) science policy and governance, and (3) science communication and engagement
relate academic research in these areas to current practice in medical research and clinical practice
interpret current and emerging topics within analytical and reflective perspectives from science and technology studies
demonstrate critical thinking and professional empathy
demonstrate strong writing and engagement skills in a variety of formats
undertake independent research in these areas and problem-solve with novel case studies
reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses in these areas

Our primary career goal is to help medical students become better doctors: wider perspective, more analytical skill, more confident when stepping back to reflect, and more aware of why things are the way they are. Our secondary goal is to prepare you for activities supporting medical practice and related careers, such as researching, writing, and independent thinking. We want you to appreciate where these collaborating activities sit within the global community that is modern medicine, and we want you to be ready to engage with these partners when opportunities arise.

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.