Science and Technology in Society MSc

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:

MSc Science and Technology in Society

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.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

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.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

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:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

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).

• Approved universities in 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:

• English language requirements

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.