Health Humanities

The MSc in Health Humanities at University College London (UCL) offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding health, illness, and healthcare through the integration of humanities, social sciences, and arts. This innovative programme is designed for students interested in exploring the cultural, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of health and medicine. It provides a comprehensive curriculum that encourages critical thinking about the societal and individual factors influencing health outcomes, as well as the role of narrative, identity, and representation in health care. Students will engage with a diverse range of subjects, including medical anthropology, medical ethics, cultural studies, history of medicine, and visual and literary arts. The programme aims to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to examine contemporary health issues from multiple perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of patient experiences, health policy, and medical practices. Delivered through seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, the course encourages active participation and critical debate. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with leading academics and practitioners in the field, participate in relevant research initiatives, and undertake a dissertation that allows them to explore a specific topic in depth. The MSc in Health Humanities prepares graduates for careers in health communication, policy analysis, medical ethics, arts administration, and academia, among other areas. It is ideal for individuals seeking to influence health outcomes and contribute to socio-cultural change within healthcare environments. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, UCL’s Health Humanities programme fosters a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between culture, society, and health.

The programme enables students to approach issues relating to health and illness from both a historical and contemporary perspective and from a variety of a disciplines, including anthropology, history, philosophy, sociology, science and technology studies, global health, literature and film studies. Students will also learn to work in an interdisciplinary manner.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), elective modules of 15 or 30 credits each (up to a total of 60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), two core modules (60 credits) and two electives (60 credits) is also offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), two core modules is also offered.

Core modules

• Illness
• Madness

Optional modules

Students may choose from the list of recommended modules below, or other relevant modules in UCL, with the approval of the convenors.

• Anthropology and Psychiatry
• Classical Chinese Medicine
• Clinically Applied Cultural Psychiatry
• Conflict, Humanitarianism and Health
• Cultural Memory
• Death, Dying and Consequences
• Disease in History
• German Literature and Psychology
• Global Health and Development: Emerging Policy Debates
• Global Justice and Health
• Health Inequalities Over the Lifecourse
• Health Policy and Reform
• Medical Anthropology
• Medieval Science and Medicine in Global Perspective
• Science, Technology, and Identity
• Social Value and Public Policy, Health and the Environment
• From Imperial Medicine to Global Health, 1860s to present
• Medicine on Screen

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment is through essays and a dissertation. There is no unseen examination.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The University College London offers various options for financing the Health Humanities postgraduate program, designed to support students in managing the costs associated with their studies. Prospective students can explore a range of funding opportunities including scholarships, studentships, external grants, and loans. UCL provides numerous scholarships specific to postgraduate students, such as full or partial fee waivers, which are highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the program. Additionally, the UCL Graduate Support scheme offers financial assistance to eligible students, helping to offset tuition fees and living expenses. Students are encouraged to apply for external funding sources including government loans, private scholarships, and funding from health and arts organizations. International students should investigate scholarship options available through their home countries as well as UCL's international funding programs. UCL also provides guidance on student loans available from the UK Government for eligible UK and EU students, which can be used to cover tuition fees and living costs. Students are advised to prepare a comprehensive application to maximize their chances of securing funding, including earning a strong academic record, demonstrating financial need, and providing compelling personal statements. Moreover, certain employer-sponsored funding options may be available for individuals working in relevant sectors, facilitating continued professional development. The university’s financial aid advisors are available to assist students in identifying suitable funding opportunities and navigating the application processes. It is important for prospective students to plan their finances early, considering the full scope of potential costs and available funding sources. Beyond scholarships and loans, students can also consider part-time work opportunities both on and off campus, which can provide additional income to support their studies. UCL maintains a transparent fee structure, and detailed information about tuition fees for the Health Humanities program is accessible on their website, along with guidance on cost management and financial planning. Overall, while the financial support landscape is competitive, students enrolled in the Health Humanities program have access to a variety of funding options designed to facilitate their academic journey and reduce financial barriers to postgraduate education.

The MSc in Health Humanities at University College London offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding health, illness, and healthcare through the lens of the humanities. This innovative programme combines perspectives from history, philosophy, literature, arts, and social sciences to explore critical issues in healthcare and public health. It is designed for students interested in broadening their understanding of health beyond biomedical models, encouraging critical thinking about healthcare practices, policies, and narratives. The curriculum typically includes modules on health and ethics, health communication, illness narratives, cultural representations of health, and the history of medicine. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills, cultural competence, and a nuanced understanding of how health and illness are experienced and represented across different societies. The programme may involve a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and independent research project work. It aims to prepare graduates for careers in healthcare, policy, education, heritage sectors, or further academic research. UCL's strong links with healthcare institutions and cultural organizations provide students with opportunities for placements, research collaborations, and practical engagement. The programme is suitable for students from diverse backgrounds, including those with degrees in humanities, social sciences, medicine, or related fields. Graduates are expected to have a sophisticated understanding of the cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of health and illness, equipping them to contribute thoughtfully to contemporary debates in healthcare and public health policy.