Program Overview

This MA encourages you to place developments within medical theory and practice in a broad social and cultural framework, and use a wide range of sources available to the historian of medicine (such as medical texts, practice records, diaries, case records, public health reports and health propaganda, and visual sources). Most modules are taught by a team of experts, ensuring that you are exposed to as many different viewpoints and approaches as possible.

The Term One core module ‘Themes and Methods in Medical History’ is designed to introduce you to some of the main historiographical approaches and debates within the history of medicine from the early modern period to the twenty-first century. The module focuses on the evolution of ideas, institutions and practices within medicine, the reception of new approaches and lay responses, the structure of medical practice and the medical professions, and the scientific, social and cultural context of medical intervention.

The Term Two core module, 'Matters of Life and Death' focuses on recent contributions to the discipline, providing you with the opportunity to discuss in depth methodologies and approaches, the research questions underpinning the work and theoretical frameworks, while also relating the seminars to your interests and dissertation research. By studying these texts, you will actively engage with the wide range of sources available.

The final key element is the dissertation - here you have a large amount of freedom to develop a project of your own choice with help and guidance from your supervisor who will meet with you throughout the third term. Throughout the year, you will be able to take advantage of the Department’s six research centres, especially the Centre for the History of Medicine, and participate in the lively schedule of academic research seminars, lectures and conferences.

The programme will appeal equally to those wishing to undertake further postgraduate study and those pursuing a career outside of the University, equipping you with research, writing and critical thinking skills vital in a range of professions.