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Science, Technology and International Development

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Please note: this programme is being suspended for 2013-14, while we review and revise the programme content in light of new and exciting developments in the world of science, technology and international development. We anticipate that the revised programme will re-open in time for the 2014-15 academic year.

Start date: n/a

Awards: MSc (12 mth FT, 24 mth PT), Diploma (12 mth FT, 24 mth PT), Certificate (4 mth FT)

Information on fees & costs

For detailed information on fee status, policies, payment and funding opportunities see:

Contact information: Postgraduate Admissions Team
Phone: +44 (0)131 651 1560/3064
Email: pgadmissions.sps@ed.ac.uk; Dr Lawrence Dritsas (Programme Director)
Phone: +44(0)131 650 4011
Fax: +44(0)131 650 6535
Email: L.Dritsas@ed.ac.uk; Address: The Graduate School of Social and Political Science
Chrystal Macmillan Building
15a George Square
Edinburgh
EH8 9LD

We anticipate that the revised programme will re-open in time for the 2014-15 academic year.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its equivalent, if outside the UK.

International students

All applicants must meet our general entry and language requirements. Detailed advice for international students is available here:

Programme description

The MSc in Science, Technology and International Development is designed to equip students with an advanced interdisciplinary understanding of the historical, sociological, political and policy aspects of science and technology as they relate to international development.

The programme provides a conceptual and policy-oriented approach the relationships between science, technology and international development. The programme also aims to provide interested students with development focused and practical experience through the option of students undertaking dissertation research in situ with development agencies and as part of any ongoing science/development international research projects in the University.

The programme prepares students for specialised practical work in international development or further academic study. Eligible students from any academic background are welcome to apply.

Programme structure

Students will undertake a combination of lectures, seminars and self-directed reading.

Courses are normally assessed by means of one essay. The dissertation involves supervised reading leading to an extended piece of writing on an approved topic, it may also include some original research.

Students will also attend a series of "State of the Art" seminars in international development practice. These will introduce colleagues from across the University, and beyond, who work in development directly or on development-relevant research projects to discuss their experiences.

Learning outcomes

This course will provide:

an advanced knowledge of the role of science and technology in international development from c.1800 until the present-day;
a detailed understanding of the relevance and utility of various theoretical approaches to science and technology in development;
the ability to compare and contrast the appropriateness of different disciplinary approaches in an examination of the role of science and technology in various international development settings;
the skills to relate the academic study of science and technology to questions of public concern in developing countries.

Funding

Please see Scholarships and Student Funding Services for information about funding opportunities:

Scholarships and Student Funding Services

Further Information

This article was published on Apr 25, 2013