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Science, Technology, and Society MSc

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.

Key information

Programme starts

September 2021

Modes and duration

Full time: 1 year
Part time: 2 years

Application dates

All applicants
Open: 9 November 2020
Close: 26 April 2021
Notification
Applications may close earlier if all places on the programme are filled.

Tuition fees (2021/22)

UK:
£12,500 (FT)
£6,250 (PT)
Overseas:
£25,800 (FT)
£12,900 (PT)


Note on fees: The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Optional qualifications: This degree is also available as a PG Diploma and a PG Certificate with fees set accordingly.
Location: London, Bloomsbury

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

English language requirements

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.

The English language level for this programme is: Good

Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English

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. International Preparation Courses

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

International students

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.

Select your country:

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.

MSc students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (15 credits), five optional modules (75 credits), two elective modules (30 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). available in full time or part time mode.

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.

Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a 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.

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 is subject to change.

Compulsory module

  • Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
  • Dissertation

Optional modules

Students choose four optional modules from Science, Technology and Society. Please note that not every module is taught each year and the modules available vary from year to year. Therefore the list below is not exhaustive but gives an indication of what we teach. Applicants should contact the department for information on what will be offered in the next academic year.

  • Science Journalism
  • Science, Technology and Identity
  • Responsible Science and Innovation
  • Science in the 20th Century and Beyond
  • Curating Science and Technology
  • Engaging the Public with Science
  • Science Policy in the Era of Risk and Uncertainty
  • Research Methods and Data Analysis in Science Studies
  • Political Economy of Science

Module descriptions can be found on the STS website.

Students also choose one optional module from our sister MSc programme, History and Philosophy of Science. Module descriptions can be found on the STS website

In addition, students choose two elective modules which may be options from our degrees, or selected from any other programme at UCL.

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

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, advocacy work, and project work.

Additional costs

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

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 & Wellbeing team.

Funding

For more advice please visit the STS MSc website.

Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.

DeepMind Science, Technology and Society Scholarships

Value:
Tuition fees, maintence and additional expenses (1 year)
Eligibility:
UK
Criteria:
Based on both academic merit and financial need

STS Aristotle Scholarship

Note:
Deadline: 30 July 2021
Value:
Equivalent to UK Home fees (1 year (or 2 years part-time))
Eligibility:
UK, Overseas
Criteria:
Based on academic merit

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

Careers

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.

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.

Why study this degree at UCL?

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 specialties but also in the fundamentals of teaching and learning.

Our programme makes unique use of London’s attractions and resources. We have close links with the Science Museum, the National Maritime 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.

Department: Science & Technology Studies

Application and next steps

Applications

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.

This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.

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: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.

Who can apply?

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.

Application deadlines

All applicants
26 April 2021

For more information see our Applications page.

Apply now

What are we looking for?

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.

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.

Page last modified on 28 August 2021