MSc Health History

The MSc in Health History explores the last two-and-a-half centuries to seek the origins and impacts of our modern health experiences and expectations, together with the reasons they've changed so rapidly. It examines a variety of issues such as:

• the development of psychiatry since its birth in the 19th century
• the rise of regulation of drugs and medicines
• the impact of warfare on medical technologies
• the challenges faced by those seeking to transform the health of British children

The degree is suitable for those from humanities, social science and health science backgrounds as well as those who have worked in the health professions.

The MSc Health History is organised around the expertise of staff in the Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare (CSHHH) Glasgow. The CSHHH is a research collaboration between historians of medicine and of health and healthcare at Glasgow Caledonian and Strathclyde universities.

You’ll study

Modules can be built into a Masters degree. This can form the basis for future doctoral research funded by:

• the Wellcome Trust
• the Arts & Humanities Research Council
• the Economic & Social Research Council

Compulsory modules

• Sources, Skills & Methods for Historians 1
• Sources, Skills & Methods for Historians 2

Option classes

Choose four from:

• Health & Healthcare in the Long 19th Century
• Pharmaceuticals, Ethics & Health, 1800 to 1980
• Governing Highs & Health: History & the Control of Drugs, c1800 to c1945
• Work & Occupational Health in the 20th Century: Comparative Perspectives
• Food & Health in the West during the 20th Century
• The Politics of Health in 20th-century Britain
• Child Health & Industrialisation, c1750 to 1870
• Medicine & Warfare, 1800 to 2000

Dissertation

MSc students also write a dissertation of 10,000 words. You’ll research a topic of your choice, under the supervision of a member of the programme staff. You’ll be able to use the extensive archive holdings relating to the history of medicine and of health and healthcare available in Glasgow and elsewhere in Central Scotland.

Entry requirements

• first or upper second-class Honours degree in History or a related discipline, equivalent
• supporting academic references
• you may also be asked to attend an interview

For postgraduate studies, the University of Strathclyde requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 (no individual test score below 6.0) or equivalent. Tests are valid for two years.

Pre-sessional courses in English are available.

If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Visa and Immigration (please check most up-to-date list on the Home Office website) or you have successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you do not need to present any additional evidence.

If you are from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), please check our English requirements before making your application.

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course for international students (Non-EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.

How much will my course cost?

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Scotland/EU 2017/18

• MSc: £6,500
• PgDip: £4,200
• PgCert: £2,100

Rest of UK 2017/18

• MSc: £6,500
• PgDip: £4,200
• PgCert: £2,100

International 2017/18

• MSc: £13,500
• PgDip: £9,000
• PgCert: £4,500