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Medical Humanities

Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies

Taught

MA

  • Overview
  • Application Timeline
  • Tuition
  • Requirements
  • Modules
  • About
  • Subject Area Information
  • Career
  • Similar courses

Overview

The MA in Medical Humanities combines humanities and social sciences to examine health and illness from diverse perspectives. It is designed for graduates from various fields and includes core and elective modules, culminating in a major research project. Students also benefit from networking opportunities through the Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers network.

Application Timeline

  1. September 1, 2025
    Start date
  2. April 6, 2026
    Today

Tuition

Year 1
Student categories Study
Full-time Part-time
EnglandN/AN/A
Northern IrelandN/AN/A
ScotlandN/AN/A
WalesN/AN/A
Channel IslandsN/AN/A
EUN/AN/A
InternationalN/AN/A

Requirements

Entry Requirements:
Language Requirements

Language requirements information is currently unavailable.

Modules

Modules is currently unavailable

Please check back later for updates.

About

The MA in Medical Humanities is a dynamic course that integrates humanities and social sciences to explore health and illness beyond traditional medical frameworks. It focuses on understanding how thoughts and physical experiences are interpreted as symptoms.

Target Audience

This program is ideal for individuals with undergraduate degrees in fields such as:

  • Anthropology
  • English
  • Geography
  • Law
  • Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Philosophy
  • Sociology

It is also beneficial for those with a background in health and social care seeking to incorporate humanities perspectives into their practice.

Course Structure

The MA is offered by the University’s...

Subject Area Information

The history of medicine is a fascinating and multifaceted discipline that explores the evolution of medical knowledge, practices, and institutions from ancient times to the present. This field of study provides a comprehensive understanding of how medical theories and practices have developed in different cultures and historical periods, and how these developments have influenced contemporary medicine.

Typical Course Structure
  • 1. Ancient Medicine

  • 2. Medieval and Renaissance Medicine

  • 3. Modern Medicine

  • 4. Public Health and Epidemiology

  • 5. Medical Ethics and Human Rights

Typical Skills Acquired
  • Critical Analysis
  • Research Skills
  • Communication
  • Interdisciplinary Understanding

Career

The history of medicine is a rich and diverse field that offers students a deep understanding of how medical practices and theories have evolved over time. Through a combination of historical analysis, research, and interdisciplinary study, students will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers that draw on their knowledge of the past to inform the future of medicine.

Potential Professions
  • Medical Historian

    Conduct research and teach at academic institutions.

  • Museum Curator

    Work in museums to curate medical history exhibits.

  • Public Health Analyst

    Use historical knowledge to inform public health policies and initiatives.

  • Medical Ethicist

    Provide ethical guidance in medical settings, drawing on historical perspectives.

  • Author/Journalist

    Write books, articles, or documentaries on the history of medicine.

Similar courses

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Palatine Centre, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE
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Palatine Centre, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE
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Enhance your academic journey with the help from our experts.

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