PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc Science, Technology, and Society
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should
be detailed here and defined later in the
document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
MSc
PG Dip
PG Cert
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Science and Technology Studies
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Full/part time
n/a
From 2013-14 session
University College London
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
The minimum entrance requirement normally is a second class
undergraduate degree from a UK institution, or the equivalent from an
overseas institution (e.g., US/Canadian GPA=3.0/4.0). Applicants
with a lower degree result may be considered, providing they have
either an adequate academic background or have relevant work
experience. UCL specifies and recognises a range of other UK and
international qualifications. Such applications are considered on a
case-by-case basis.
STS encourages applications from individuals with significant life
experience in our field of study.
Applicants whose first language is not English must be able to
provide recent evidence that their spoken and written command of
the English Language is adequate.
Applicants are not required to submit a writing sample with their
application; however, one may be submitted with the application. The
admissions panel may request a sample while considering an
application.
Candidates may be invited to an interview with the panel, either at
UCL, via phone, or via online connections.
To discuss the details of an application, contact our MSc Admissions
Tutors <sts-msc-admission@ucl.ac.uk>
STS follows UCL's admissions regulations for postgraduate taught
masters programme <http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ras>
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from
UCL, such as study abroad or placements
in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
1 year full time, 2 years part time
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
One compulsory module (15 credits)
Seven optional modules, of which two can be elective (15 credits
each)
Dissertation (10-12K words) (60 credits)
Masters Level (Level 7)
STS has no SBS. We use Sociology, Geography, Politics, and
Communication Media and Film benchmarks for guidance. We also
use a supplemental benchmark statement for History of Science,
Technology, and Medicine:
http://prs.heacademy.ac.uk/view.html/prsdocuments/114
Assessment is diversified across the whole set of modules, including
long and short essays, projects, and dissertation.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Science and Technology Studies
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
None
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme combines several specialised areas of study into a co-ordinated taught degree. The fields are:
sociology of science, science policy and governance, plus science communication and engagement, combined
against a background of history and philosophy of science. The combination defines Science and Technology
Studies (STS). The overall aim is to produce consumers and observers of science capable of critical analysis and
reflection about the place and developments of science, technology, and medicine in modern society. This degree
covers core subjects and literature. It also uses the department’s specialised expertise to provide a research-led
curriculum and to develop sophisticated skills in research, analysis, writing and debate.
By the end of the degree students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills associated with the specialised fields of STS
2. Engage with core STS literature and ideas, using detailed examples and case studies
3. Demonstrate the ability to undertake fresh research on subjects in the fields of the degree
4. Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their knowledge and understanding
3. Undertake supervised research in the discipline
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Students will gain grounding in the
following areas: sociology of science,
technology and medicine (STM), history
of STM, philosophy of STM; and
depending on options and dissertation
chosen, specialist knowledge in some of
these areas.
Students will gain understanding of
historiographical and methodological
issues in the study of STM.
Lectures
Seminar discussion
Dissertation
Independent reading and research
Feedback on coursework
Individual meetings with tutors during office hours or by
appointment
Assessment:
Written coursework
Projects
Dissertation
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Critical analysis of primary and secondary
texts.
Reflection on students’ own accumulation
of knowledge.
Assessment of conflicting perspectives.
Appreciate and begin to employ
imaginative and original approaches to
the use of theoretical and methodological
tools in Science & Technology Studies
(STS).
Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching
and learning methods described above.
All courses involve discussion of key issues, together
with practice in applying concepts both in writing and
orally. All courses involve analysis and interpretation of
appropriate material, be it primary or secondary or a
combination of both.
The range of courses offered and choice of dissertation
allows students the opportunity to study both central and
marginal topics within STS.
Assessment:
Written coursework
Projects
Dissertation
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Gathering, retrieving and synthesizing
information.
Use source material appropriately,
avoiding plagiarism.
Write advanced-level essays
Argument and debate
Carry out supervised research
Work independently
Communicate clearly
Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching
and learning methods described above.
All courses provide ample opportunity to read widely and
to discuss issues in seminars.
All courses require written coursework that draws on
student’s own reading and analysis.
The dissertation affords the opportunity to work
independently on a topic in depth, with supervision
appropriate to the level of study.
Assessment:
Written coursework
Projects
Dissertation
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Analyse and think critically, creatively and
independently
Gather, retrieve and synthesize
information
Write clearly
Self-motivation
Work independently
Time management
Use word processing, e-mail and internet
packages
All courses encourage students to bring their own critical
abilities to bear on material. Coursework and projects
encourage wide reading around a topic, clear
communication of ideas.
Clear coursework deadlines encourage students to
manage their time.
All assessed coursework is word-processed. Course
correspondence is conducted via e-mail. Students are
expected to familiarise themselves with the relevant
departmental websites.
Assessment:
Written coursework
Projects
Dissertation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-qualitycode/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Prof Joe Cain
Date of Production:
September 2012
Date of Review:
October 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Prof Joe Cain, Head of Department
October 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
Dr Jon Agar, Graduate Tutor and Chair of Department Graduate Committee
October 2014
Dr Caroline Essex, Faculty Tutor, February 2015