Science and Technology in Society MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Science and Technology in Society
Science, technology and innovation are central to contemporary society, solving and creating challenges in equal measure. This interdisciplinary programme examines the social, political and cultural dimensions of science, technology and innovation.
This programme offers a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of science and technology studies, and is intended for students wishing to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the role of science, technology and innovation in society.
We host one of the leading international centres of interdisciplinary research and teaching in science, technology and innovation studies, which means you’ll be studying as part of a vibrant community of scholars.
You’ll be able to call on the expertise of our highly regarded academic staff, particularly in the areas of:
- sociology and social history of science and technology
- sociology and economics of the life sciences and medicine
- social shaping of technology
- science and technology for international development
- management of technology and innovation
- politics of public engagement with science and technology
This programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, group work and guided independent study.
You will complete four compulsory courses and three or four option courses and then work on an independently researched dissertation.
You can also pursue a dissertation through a work-based placement.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Science and Technology in Society | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2019/20 |
MSc | Science and Technology in Society | 2 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2019/20 |
Graduates will be expected to:
- possess a theoretical grounding in the interdisciplinary field of science, technology and innovation studies
- display the ability to critically employ theories and concepts from science, technology and innovation studies for the analysis of a range of empirical examples
- understand the methodological and epistemological underpinnings of a range of social science approaches for understanding science, technology and innovation
- have a critical awareness of current issues in the area of science, technology and innovation studies along with an understanding of how this area intersects with other disciplinary domains
- be able to communicate their acquired methodological and analytical insights to academic and non-academic audiences alike
- be capable of translating academic findings from science, technology and innovation studies into practical suggestions for public and policy contexts.
This programme is ideally suited to students looking to enter a career in academia, science communication, policy and government, social research and analysis, and non-governmental organisations.
You will also develop a range of highly transferable skills, such as communication and project management, which can be applied to roles in any field.
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)
PTE Academic: total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Science and Technology in Society | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
MSc | Science and Technology in Society | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 3064/1560
- Contact: pgadmissions.sps@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Ronan Bolton
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 6366
- Contact: ronan.bolton@ed.ac.uk
- Graduate School of Social & Political Science
- Chrystal Macmillan Building
- 15A George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LD
- Programme: Science and Technology in Society
- School: Social & Political Science
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Prospectus: Social & Political Science prospectus (PDF)
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Science and Technology in Society - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc Science and Technology in Society - 2 Years (Part-time)
Programme start date | Application deadline |
---|---|
14 September 2020 | 6 July 2020 |
We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
References are not usually required for applications to this programme.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 3064/1560
- Contact: pgadmissions.sps@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Ronan Bolton
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 6366
- Contact: ronan.bolton@ed.ac.uk
- Graduate School of Social & Political Science
- Chrystal Macmillan Building
- 15A George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LD
- Programme: Science and Technology in Society
- School: Social & Political Science
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Prospectus: Social & Political Science prospectus (PDF)