MSc Science and Technology in Society

At the University of Edinburgh, this MSc is about turning critical thinking into practical engagement, equipping you with the real-world skills to analyse and influence the relationship between science and society. You'll learn through hands-on research projects, direct engagement with cutting-edge scientific developments, and opportunities to connect with the experts and organisations shaping science policy today. This approach ensures you graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with the practical toolkit to build a meaningful career at this vital intersection.

Your learning will be powered by direct engagement with Edinburgh's exceptional resources:

• Practicum in Science and Technology Studies: A core component of the programme, this module provides a structured opportunity for hands-on research or an external placement, allowing you to apply STS theories to a real-world context.

• Innogrow - The Innogen Institute: Engage with the research and networks of this world-leading centre for research on science, technology, and innovation policy, often through guest lectures and research seminars that connect academic theory with contemporary policy challenges.

• The Dissertation Project: The cornerstone of your experience is the substantial independent research project, where you will design and conduct original qualitative or historical research, often involving case studies, interviews, or archival work, under the supervision of an expert from the Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) group.

• Research Design and Ethnographic Methods: Gain practical skills in key qualitative research methods, such as interviewing, discourse analysis, and ethnographic observation, which are essential for conducting rigorous social research on science and technology.

• The Stellar Library Collections: Benefit from access to the University's extensive and historic library collections, including special archives, which provide rich primary source material for researching the history and social aspects of science and technology.

• Policy Engagement Workshops: Participate in sessions that may involve analysing live policy documents, simulating policy debates, or developing science communication strategies, bridging the gap between academic analysis and practical application.

Graduating with this MSc equips you with a unique and powerful skill set to navigate and shape the complex world where science, technology, and society meet. Your ability to critically analyse innovation, communicate across disciplines, and understand policy landscapes will make you highly valuable to a diverse range of employers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. You'll be prepared for meaningful careers that bridge technical expertise and societal needs, ensuring that technological progress is thoughtful, inclusive, and responsible.

The diverse and impactful career paths our graduates pursue include:

• Science Policy Advisor: Analysing and developing evidence-based policy for government departments (e.g., UK Government Office for Science), parliamentary committees, or think tanks.

• Research and Innovation Manager: Facilitating and managing research programmes, ensuring ethical and societal considerations are integrated, within universities or research organisations.

• Public Engagement Specialist: Designing and delivering programmes that foster dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public for organisations like Wellcome Trust or museums.

• Technology Analyst: Researching the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of emerging technologies for consultancies, NGOs, or within the tech industry itself.

Your journey to these roles is fully supported by the University's dedicated Careers Service. They offer specialist one-to-one advice, CV and interview workshops tailored to research and policy careers, and host events like the Beyond Academia Careers Fair, which connects students with employers in the government, charity, and think tank sectors.

The University of Edinburgh's industry and institutional partnerships are a key strength. The programme is delivered by the internationally renowned Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) group, which has strong links with policy bodies like the Scottish Parliament and organisations such as the Royal Society of Edinburgh, providing unique insights into the practical application of your studies.

The degree's value is reflected in the University's outstanding reputation: it is consistently ranked among the world's top 30 universities (QS World University Rankings 2024) and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group. The critical thinking, advanced research, and communication skills you develop are highly transferable and valued by employers seeking to understand and manage the societal impact of technology.

Further Academic Progression:

This MSc is an excellent foundation for a research career. Many graduates choose to pursue a PhD at Edinburgh or other leading institutions, often within the Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) group itself. The rigorous research training and methodological skills you gain during your dissertation provide an exceptional foundation for a successful application to doctoral programmes, allowing you to become an expert contributor to academic and public debates on science and technology.