External summary

The MSc in Science and Technology in Society is a comprehensive introduction to an interdisciplinary field that provides new ways of addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the modern world. The programme is intended for students wishing to develop a critical understanding of the role of science, technology and innovation in society, and places a strong emphasis on acquiring a practical appreciation of the latest approaches and insights from this vibrant field. In addition, students develop their skills in research, analysis, writing and communication.

Based in a leading international centre of interdisciplinary research and teaching in science, technology and innovation studies, the MSc is structured to provide all students with a common core of knowledge and understanding, while also allowing for specialist interests. Three core courses provide an introduction to key approaches and perspectives. Following this, students then choose from a suite of option courses that develop these perspectives through specialist study of relevant topics including: information and communication technologies; science and technology for international development; environment and sustainability; life science and medicine; gender, science and technology; and advanced theory in science and technology studies.

This degree aims to prepare people for careers in any field where a strategic understanding of the social dimensions of science, technology and innovation will be of value, including science, technology and innovation policy and management; medical, environmental, information or development policy; knowledge exchange and communication; as well as academic research and teaching. We welcome students from all backgrounds and subjects – including those already in relevant employment.

Educational aims of programme

The overarching educational goal of the MSc in Science and Technology in Society is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and critically engage with the role of science, technology and innovation in the modern world. Three complementary core courses provide students with a shared understanding of the theoretical foundations and empirical scope of this interdisciplinary field through an introduction to state-of-the-art research and discussion. Students then choose from a suite of optional courses according to their interests. Optional courses allow for progression by combining in-depth understanding of specific empirical areas while further developing the students’ theoretical and analytical skills. Finally, students undertake a supervised dissertation on a topic chosen in discussion with their supervisor. The provides an opportunity for students to develop their investigative  and research skills, as well as honing their critical and analytical abilities by undertaking an extended piece of original writing.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

The programme outcomes are devised in according with the SCQF Level 11 descriptors.

Graduates of the MSc in Science and Technology in Society 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.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

By the end of the programme all students will be expected to be able to

• identify, locate and employ information relevant to the study of science, technology and innovation, through both library resources and other web-based media
• critically apply key social science ideas and concepts to the analysis of science, technology and innovation
• apply a range of analytical perspectives to develop original and creative responses to problems and issues associated with science, technology and innovation
• plan and execute an original empirical investigation employing the conceptual, methodological and analytical tools acquired during the programme

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

By the end of the programme all students will be expected to

• be confident in their abilities to analyse and evaluate a range of issues surrounding science, technology and innovation in the modern world
• be able to creatively employ theories and perspectives from science, technology and innovation studies to understand and engage with novel cases and situations
• be capable of making decisions based upon critical analysis of evidence and the reflective use of social science perspectives on science, technology and innovation

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

By the end of the programme all students will be expected to be able to

• confidently convey complex ideas and arguments through oral and written communication methods
• communicate their acquired methodological and analytical skills to academic and non-academic audiences alike
• be aware of the different expectations of academic, policy, practitioner and lay audiences and to be able to translate between them

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

By the end of the programme all students will be expected to

• be able to employ problem-solving skills in both academic and workplace settings
• be able to use evidence and critical perspectives to appraise new and challenging situations quickly and competently
• be aware of a range of social research methods, and their particular strengths and limitations, in the context of understanding science, technology and innovation

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

By the end of the programme students will be expected to

• have improved time management skills
• confidently identify appropriate sources of data and information using a range of media
• be capable of translating academic findings into practical suggestions for public and policy contexts
• be able to present critical analysis of social issues relating to science, technology and innovation in a number of different modes (oral presentations, short reports, longer academic analyses)

Programme structure and features

The MSc in Science and Technology in Society program is a Level 11 taught postgraduate programme that can be taken either full or part time. The programme is 12 months FTE and full time students must begin in September.

There are two exits:

1. In keeping with University regulations students must obtain 180 credits to exit with an MSc in Science and Technology in Society, or
2. Students who do not meet the University requirements and only obtain 120 credits will be able to exit with a Diploma in Science and Technology in Society.

For the MSc., 180 credits will be made of 60 credits of core courses (shown blue), 60 credits of options (shown purple) and a 60 credit dissertation (shown blue).

In Semester One, students must take 60 credits of core courses. Of these, the two 10-credit courses are shared with the MSc in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance, while the remaining two 20-credit courses are newly proposed (see below). Where appropriate and possible, the content of the two 20-credit core courses will develop in parallel, so that the two courses mirror and reinforce one another; e.g. Week 7: ‘Science in everyday life’ and ‘Technology in everyday life’.

We have permission to include the two new core-courses – Science, Knowledge and Expertise & Understanding Technology on the following programme DPTs:

In Semester Two, students must take 60 credits of optional courses offered by STIS or beyond. (*Alternatively, with the permission of the programme director, students may take 80 credits of courses in Semester One, with 40 credits in Semester Two). The option courses allow students to apply and develop the knowledge gained from the core courses while also pursuing their personal interests through a broad range of more specialist or advanced courses. Specialist option courses available and hosted by STIS include:

Three new 20-credit optional courses have been developed with the MSc Science and Technology in Society programme in mind, and also designed to appeal to graduate students pursuing other programmes:

1. Advanced Theory in Science and Technology Studies (PGSP11371)
2. Controversies, Consensus and Public Engagement in Science and Technology (PGSP11370)
3. Gender, Science and Technology (PGSP11217)

Optional courses also include courses associated with the STIS-run MSC in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance, including Biobusiness (PGSP11245), Current Trends in Life Science Innovation II (PGSP11332), Innovation Systems: Theory and Practice II (PGSP11335), and Risk, Regulation and Governance II (PGSP11337).

We also have permission from the course convenors to list the following as Semester Two options:

We acknowledge the Graduate School’s rules regarding low-recruiting courses and will, in most cases, only run non-core courses with more than 10 students.

Finally, in order to promote a sense of community among the students in Semester Two we plan to develop an exciting timetable of extracurricular events, seminars and lunchtime thematic lectures that bring all students together.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework that is appropriate to the level and content of the course.

Teaching is delivered primarily through lectures, seminars, group work, and individual dissertation supervision. Many courses are structured around the research interests and active research projects of staff, so students are exposed to the latest research findings and this work with the people who conducted it.

Teaching and Learning Activities include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Peer group learning
• Examples classes and workshops
• Dissertation
• One-to-one meetings with personal tutors/supervisors
• Fieldwork and placements

Knowledge and understanding are cultivated principally through lectures and seminar discussions, focusing on directed study of key source materials (including journal articles and policy reports). Individual and group presentations during seminars will promote synthesis of ideas and the development of presentation skills. Specific skills in research methods and writing will be developed through written coursework in the first and second semesters, then extended and refined through the preparation of a dissertation (60 credits) in the final part of the MSc programme.

Graduate School students play a significant part in Innovative Learning Week, running discussions, workshops, alumni evenings, and many other events.

Assessment methods and strategies

A variety of assessment methods are used, including:

• Short and long essays
• Policy analysis and book reports
• Oral presentations
• Small-group work and discussions
• Research-based dissertations
• Theoretical and conceptual dissertations

Verbal and/or written feedback is provided for group reports and presentations. Feedback for written assignments (essays, reports and the dissertation) is returned to students through a formal report sheet completed by the marker. Students will be supported through the dissertation via lunchtime methods workshops run by staff members, via dedicated workshops where students will present their research questions and preliminary findings to one another and to Subject Group staff, and via one-on-one meetings with their dissertation supervisors.

Career opportunities

People with Graduate School degrees have gone onto a vast range of professions including journalism, the civil service, development, international NGOs, the police and social services, and many others.

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