Science, Technology & Medicine in History

The programme provides teaching and research training at the postgraduate level in the history of science, technology and medicine (HSTM). It includes training in the research skills necessary for those who wish to go on to study for a PhD in the field, but is also designed for students who wish simply to study at the postgraduate level.
KEY BENEFITS

• New MA programme for 2013, with up to five full MA studentships available, which incorporates a distinctive approach to history, integrating the study of science, technology and medicine and being particularly concerned with addressing big historical and policy questions.
• Led by staff from the Department of History, second in the UK according to The Sunday Times newspaper (2011) and the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHoSTM), top of Research Assessment Exercise for history in 2008 and at the fore of innovation and excellence in the history of science, technology and medicine.
• The central London location offers students unrivalled access to world-class museums, collections, archives and libraries as well as easy access to resources in Europe.
• Vibrant research culture, including seminars and conferences at which students are encouraged to participate and give papers.

PURPOSEProvides a distinctive programme suitable both for those intending to proceed to a PhD and also for those who wish to study the history of science, technology and medicine at an advanced level. Encourages a distinctive approach to history, integrating the study of science, technology and medicine and being particularly concerned with addressing big historical and policy questions.

DESCRIPTIONThe programme provides teaching and research training at the postgraduate level in the history of science, technology and medicine (HSTM). It includes training in the research skills necessary for those who wish to go on to study for a PhD in the field, but is also designed for students who wish simply to study at the postgraduate level. Students are introduced to general themes and approaches to HSTM in a team-taught, programme-specific compulsory module. This explores the development of STM, its implications for history in general, and the historiographical and methodological issues that arise in studying it. Optional modules offer in-depth training in particular aspects of HSTM in different periods and places, with the opportunity to use primary sources where appropriate.

Teaching
Students on the MA are taught in small weekly seminars, and are expected to contribute to discussions and prepare presentations. Students may also attend relevant undergraduate lectures, and are encouraged to participate in the active research community, eg through attendance at seminar series held at King’s and at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR). Students on the one-year full-time programme attend four to eight hours of taught classes per week; students on the two-year part-time MA attend two to six hours. The compulsory 15,000-word dissertation enables students to research a topic of their choice, working one-to-one with an academic supervisor.

Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHoSTM)
The Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHoSTM) is a world-leading centre for the study of the history of science, technology and medicine. The Centre topped the RAE tables for history in 2008 and is widely recognised for the excellence of its research and its strong record in winning high profile grants. The Centre is lead by Professor David Edgerton, Hans Rausing Professor of the History of Science and Technology, and also includes Dr Abigail Woods and Dr Jean-Baptiste Fressoz. A further two members will be joining in September 2013, together with staff already at King’s including Dr Anna Maerker and Dr Dionysios Stathakopoulos.

Study in LondonLondon not only offers a vast range of resources but also has the advantage of a strong graduate community, where students can follow up a range of interests towards further research. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the seminars at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR), many of which are convened by members of the Department.

For further information
If you would like more specific information regarding the course please contact Dr Anna Maerker directly via email: anna.maerker@kcl.ac.uk