Science and Technology in Society MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Science and Technology in Society
The MSc Science and Technology in Society offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of science and technology studies (STS), and is intended for students wishing to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the interplay between science and society.
The scientific and technological nature of our societies is, unquestionably, one of their most salient characteristics. Science and technology are with us, human (and other) beings, every moment of the day, every day of our lives, and even when life turns into death.
But why exactly does science and technology (and innovation) exert such influence over humans and their doings? Where does such power come from? In short: what makes them special? On the other side, is it correct to assume that societies and social actors are powerless in the face of scientific and technological developments?
These are some of the questions which underlie our programme. You will be given the chance to explore them in a variety of contexts and through the lenses of different theoretical and analytical traditions
We study, analyse, and critically reflect upon the interplay between science (and technology) and society. While the course does not involve ‘doing’ science, we study the ways science is produced, used, regulated and, sometimes, contested. These studies require that we look at the manifold contexts in which science and technology ‘happen’ and that we make use of the full range of key theoretical perspectives developed in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS).
Why Edinburgh?
STS is a well-established area within the social sciences; Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) is the department in the School of Social and Political Science that hosts one of the leading international centres of interdisciplinary research and teaching in science, technology and innovation studies. You will be studying as part of a vibrant community of scholars with over fifty years of international leadership within the field.
Who this programme is for
We welcome students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds with a keen interest in the complex and rapidly evolving relationships between science, technology and society. While this programme is primarily suited for those with some background in the social sciences, history and the humanities, we have students from a wide range of backgrounds. Our students are united by a desire to critically understand and reflect on science and technology in their social contexts.
You should be aware that this is a social science programme and that good writing skills displaying reflection, insight and analytical ability will be required. You will be asked to read a significant quantity of complex texts on a weekly basis in order to engage in class debates and coursework. You will also need to write lengthy essays and a dissertation.
Topics
In Semester 1 of the programme, you will be introduced to key theories and contemporary academic debates in the field, including:
- the sociology and social history of science and technology
- innovation policy and management
- the role of scientific expertise in policy making
- science and technology for international development
In Semester 2, and during your dissertation research, you will be able to call on the expertise of our highly regarded academic staff. They will guide you in the application of your knowledge to address key societal issues and challenges. Depending on your interests, this work might relate to:
- energy and environment
- life sciences and bioeconomy
- data and society
More programme details
You can find more details about this programme, including student testimonials and suggested reading recommendations, on the programme webpage:
Teaching takes place primarily through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminar sessions.
This programme is delivered through:
- lectures
- seminars
- group work
- guided independent study
You will complete:
- three compulsory courses in Semester 1
- three or four option courses in Semester 2
- an independently researched dissertation
Core courses
These complementary core courses offer a shared understanding of the theoretical foundations and empirical scope of the interdisciplinary field of science & technology studies.
Optional courses
You will choose from a number of optional courses that allow you to tailor your studies to suit your own aims and interests. Optional courses will allow you to build an in-depth understanding of specific empirical areas while further developing your theoretical and analytical skills. These courses can be chosen from postgraduate offerings within the Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) subject group or more broadly from the School of Social and Political Sciences.
Dissertation
You will concentrate on researching and writing a dissertation of 15,000 words. Here, you will identify a topic chosen in discussion with your supervisor. The dissertation provides an opportunity to develop investigative and research skills, as well as honing critical and analytical abilities by undertaking an extended piece of original writing.
It may also be possible to pursue a dissertation through a placement-based dissertation though the availability of placements cannot be guaranteed.
Placement-based dissertation
The aim of the placement-based dissertation is to provide you with the opportunity to work on your dissertation within the context of a workplace of your choosing, subject to Programme Director and Placement Adviser approval.
The placements generally consist of eight weeks of research with a host organisation in the UK or overseas, from our network of contacts which includes:
- NGOs
- charities
- social enterprises
- think-tanks
- government bodies
Placements can either be in person, hybrid or undertaken remotely. You are also able to source your own placements subject to university approval.
Please note that a placement-based dissertation is not guaranteed as part of this programme and are by competitive application during Semester 1.
Find out more about the placement-based dissertation option via our dedicated information pages
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 2024/25 |
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.
- Appreciate 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 if you are looking to enter a career in:
- policy and government
- technology management
- social research and analysis
- science communication
- academia
- non-governmental organisations
You will also develop a range of highly transferable skills, such as critical analysis, communication and project management, which can be applied to roles in any field.
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.
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, Trinity ISE or PTE, 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 (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Tuition fees
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Science and Technology in Society | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
borrowing money
taking out a loan
family support
personal savings
income from work
employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
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
- your tuition fee 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)131 650 4086
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Eugenia Rodrigues
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 6366
- Contact: Eugenia.Rodrigues@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
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Science and Technology in Society - 1 Year (Full-time)
| Programme start date | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| 8 September 2025 | 30 June 2025 |
If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
Please note that for an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including academic transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements e.g. via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.
(Revised 2 December 2024 to add additional application deadline information)
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)131 650 4086
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Eugenia Rodrigues
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 6366
- Contact: Eugenia.Rodrigues@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