Medical Humanities: Bodies, Cultures and Ideas MA
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
It examines the development of medical practices, the role of medical ethics and law, and the history of medical humanities. Graduates are equipped with transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, research, and writing, preparing them for careers in healthcare, education, research, and more.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
MA Medical Humanities: Bodies, Cultures and Ideas
is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program offered at Birkbeck, University of London. This interdisciplinary program explores the relationship between medicine and humanities, focusing on health through the lens of culture and history.
Objectives:
- Examine the development of medical practices and institutions.
- Explore the formation of medical expertise and authority.
- Analyze the role of medical ethics and law.
- Investigate the history of medical humanities as an academic field.
- Develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
Program Description:
The program draws students and staff from diverse disciplines, periods, and regions to offer a multifaceted approach to studying medicine and humanities. The interdisciplinary option modules are collectively taught by staff from English, law, modern languages, philosophy, history, psychosocial studies, gender and sexuality, film and media studies, and the history of art. Students will delve into various topics like infectious disease, diet and exercise, mental health and wellbeing, and disability.
Outline:
The program consists of a core module (30 credits), three option modules (30 credits each), and a dissertation (60 credits) or two additional option modules.
Core Module:
- Critical Entanglements and Methods in the Medical Humanities (30 credits)
Indicative Option Modules:
- Being Human: Posthumanism and the 21st Century
- Early Modern London: Society and Culture
- Epidemics and Pandemics in History (Level 7)
- Exhibiting the Body
- Ideas Transmission History
- Theorising Gender
MA Medical Humanities: Bodies, Cultures and Ideas Dissertation:
- Dissertation in Medical Humanities (60 credits)
Assessment:
Assessments will involve a combination of close-reading commentaries, essays, research scrapbooks, and a 15,000-word dissertation (or two additional option modules).
Teaching:
Teaching methods include seminars, workshops, lectures, discussion groups, and museum and archive visits. Class sizes vary depending on the course, module, and teaching method. The program also emphasizes independent learning, with students expected to dedicate significant time outside of class to self-directed study and preparation.
Careers:
This program prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers in areas such as healthcare, education, research, policy, museums, cultural institutions, and media. Graduates are equipped with transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, research, and writing, making them adaptable to various professional settings.
Other:
Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Full-time home students: £10,800 per year Part-time international students: £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year
Birkbeck University of London
Overview:
Birkbeck University of London is a public research university located in central London. It is known for its evening and weekend classes, catering to students who are working or have other commitments. Birkbeck is a member of the prestigious University of London and is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.
Services Offered:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Admissions:
Guidance on entry requirements, financial support, and application procedures.Student Services:
Support with academic and personal matters, including careers advice, financial aid, and disability services.Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources and study spaces.Business Services:
Support for businesses and entrepreneurs, including training, consultancy, and networking opportunities.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Birkbeck provides a vibrant and diverse student community with a strong focus on evening and weekend study. Students can expect:
Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated student support services and a welcoming community.Career Development:
Opportunities for career advancement through internships, networking events, and career advice.Key Reasons to Study There:
Prestigious University:
Part of the University of London, renowned for its academic excellence.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes for working professionals.Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Research-Led Teaching:
High-quality teaching informed by cutting-edge research.Strong Career Support:
Dedicated career services to help students achieve their career goals.Academic Programs:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
History, English, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Sciences:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Sociology, Politics, Law, and more.Business:
Management, Finance, Marketing, and more.Humanities:
History of Art, Music, Theatre, and more.Other:
Birkbeck is committed to public engagement and research with impact. The university actively promotes its research findings and engages with the public through events, lectures, and publications.
Entry Requirements:
- Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively.
- The university actively supports and encourages applications from mature learners.
- On your application form, list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol.
- Students living in the UK on a student visa will not be eligible to enrol as part-time students (except for some modules).
- Credits and Accredited Prior Learning (APL):
- Individuals who have studied at university may be able to transfer previously earned credits to Birkbeck or another institution.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- The usual requirement for non-native English speakers or those who haven't previously studied in English is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
- If you do not meet the minimum IELTS requirement, the university offers pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your language skills and gain admission to Birkbeck.
