Sociology and Politics of Science BSc

University College London
5.0
2 reviews
  • You are constantly reminded of the cutting edge teaching you are receiving and the fact that it is one of the top Universities in the world. And the best part is, it is absolutely true. Combine that with life in the heart of London.
    ← | →
  • I really find the level of the courses very very enriching and interesting. All my teachers and professors were so profesional but also caring and kind with me and my spanish colleagues, always.
    ← | →

Bachelor's degree

In London

£ 9,250 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    London

  • Duration

    3 Years

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
This programme aims to produce graduates ready to talk about science and interpret its influences in modern society without committing to a life at the laboratory bench. Science involves many more people than scientists themselves, and this degree seeks to build policymakers, communicators, and other observers who can contribute informed views to ongoing debates about science’s direction and impact. This might involve contributing to debates on science funding or ethics; weighing the value of different social priorities; or consulting on the impact of new technologies and new discoveries.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
Gower Street, WC1E 6BT

Start date

On request

About this course

Modules in science policy and governance are local and global in scope. They engage with ethics, historical decision-making processes, governance of emerging technologies, and future directions in science, medicine, and technology.
Modules in science communication focus on the complex interactions between scientists and the public. We consider the methods of science journalism, including radio and television and online environments.
Practical modules in public engagement and evaluation build hands-on skills with communication and conversation. You will also develop the skills of evaluating the effectiveness of science communication: what works and what doesn't?
Modules in sociology of modern science and technology engage with classic sociological theory and practical field methods to study science as a human activity, shaped by modern society.

The programme is designed to enable you to gain understanding of the discipline, and to develop intellectual, practical and transferable skills, such as critical thinking; retrieving, researching and analysing material, time and project management and working effectively both independently and as part of a team.
In this scientific and technological world, this programme provides an excellent foundation for many careers, especially those at the interface of professional science and the wider culture transnationally.
Our graduates go on to develop successful careers in the areas of science policy, think tanks, charities, science communication, journalism, education, museums, finance and law. Many also go on to pursue further study.

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5. For UK-based students, a grade C or 5 or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required.

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Reviews

5.0
  • You are constantly reminded of the cutting edge teaching you are receiving and the fact that it is one of the top Universities in the world. And the best part is, it is absolutely true. Combine that with life in the heart of London.
    ← | →
  • I really find the level of the courses very very enriching and interesting. All my teachers and professors were so profesional but also caring and kind with me and my spanish colleagues, always.
    ← | →
100%
4.5
fantastic

Course rating

Recommended

Centre rating

Ihuoma

5.0
14/06/2018
What I would highlight: You are constantly reminded of the cutting edge teaching you are receiving and the fact that it is one of the top Universities in the world. And the best part is, it is absolutely true. Combine that with life in the heart of London.
What could be improved: All ok
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

Student

5.0
03/07/2017
What I would highlight: I really find the level of the courses very very enriching and interesting. All my teachers and professors were so profesional but also caring and kind with me and my spanish colleagues, always.
What could be improved: Nothing
Would you recommend this course?: Yes
*All reviews collected by Emagister & iAgora have been verified

This centre's achievements

2018

All courses are up to date

The average rating is higher than 3.7

More than 50 reviews in the last 12 months

This centre has featured on Emagister for 14 years

Subjects

  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Philosophy of Natural Sciences
  • Science Communication
  • Digital Environments
  • Philosophy
  • Art
  • Science
  • Medical Ethics
  • History of medicine

Course programme

YEAR 1

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • Science Communication and Public Engagement
  • History of Modern Science
  • History of Science: Antiquity to Enlightenment
  • Investigating History and Philosophy of Science
  • Investigating Science and Society
  • Philosophy of Science I
  • Revealing Science
  • Science Policy
Optional modules

There are no optional modules in year one.

YEAR 2

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • There are no compulsory modules in year two.
Optional modules

Students select options from a wide range of modules offered by the department and more widely across UCL, including:

  • Engaging the Public with Science
  • Evolution in Science and Culture
  • Philosophy of Science II
  • Policy Issues in the Life Sciences
  • Science and Empire
  • Science and Ethics
  • Science and Religion
  • Science in Popular Culture
  • Sociology of Science and Technology
  • Thinking about Technology
  • Applied Medicine and Society

Our intermediate- year optional modules vary from year to year to reflect current practice and the latest academic research. Students may also select options from a wide range of optional and elective modules offered by the department and throughout UCL.

YEAR 3

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • Dissertation
Optional modules
  • Advanced Philosophy of Medicine
  • Communication of Scientific Ideas
  • Disease in History
  • Governing Emerging Technologies
  • History of Astronomy and Cosmology
  • History of Medicine
  • Medical Ethics
  • Nature, Technology and the Environment
  • Philosophy of Information
  • Philosophy of Natural Science
  • Science and Film Production
  • Science in the Age of Newton
  • Science, Art and Philosophy
  • Science, Politics, and the State in Russia and the Soviet Union
  • Sleep and Dreaming
  • Globalisation in Theory and Practice
  • Science Communication in Digital Environments
  • Philosophy of Natural Sciences
  • Zoos in Science and Culture

Our final-year optional modules vary from year to year to reflect current practice and the latest academic research. Students may also select options from a wide range of optional and elective modules offered by the department and throughout UCL.

Your learning

The department has a reputation for excellence in the classroom. Tutors have won local and international teaching awards and we consistently rank highly in student evaluations, obtaining 100% student satisfaction for the STS degrees from the National Student Survey in 2016, 2014, and 2013. Our teaching methods adapt to specific needs of students. Many modules include small-group discussions and active participation. The student-to-tutor ratio is approximately 10:1.

Assessment

Coursework ranges from short position pieces to significant research papers. In addition to essays, we sometimes assess using posters, blogs, and multimedia projects. Practical work includes mock parliamentary reports, radio programmes, presentations, and web projects. Group work sometimes is used, as are unseen examinations.

Additional information

Overseas students Fee - £22,790 (2018/19)

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Sociology and Politics of Science BSc

£ 9,250 VAT inc.

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