BA History with an Emphasis on the History of Medicine

Program Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts in History with an Emphasis on the History of Medicine at the University of Glasgow offers students a unique opportunity to explore the development of medical ideas, practices, and institutions within a broad historical context. ThisProgramme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how medicine has evolved from ancient times to the present day, and how it has been shaped by, and has influenced, societal, cultural, and political changes throughout history. Students will examine a diverse range of topics, including the history of medical theories, public health policies, medical technologies, and the role of medicine in shaping identities and social structures. The programme combines historical analysis with interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to critically engage with primary sources, scholarly debates, and contemporary issues related to medicine and healthcare.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to study different historical periods and geographic regions, gaining insight into the global history of medicine. The curriculum is structured to include modules that cover ancient medicine, medieval and early modern medicine, the rise of modern medicine, and recent developments in medical science. Additionally, the programme emphasizes the social and cultural dimensions of health, illness, and medical professions, highlighting how medical knowledge and practices have been influenced by and have impacted society and individual experiences.

Students will benefit from expert teaching by staff with diverse research interests, as well as access to extensive historical archives and resources. The programme also encourages critical thinking and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, healthcare, heritage, public health, and related fields. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their interests, while a strong emphasis on independent research and analytical skills ensures graduates are well-equipped to analyze complex historical and contemporary issues related to medicine.

This programme fosters a rich learning environment that explores the intersections of history, medicine, and society, providing students with a nuanced understanding of the vital role that medicine has played and continues to play in shaping human history. It aims to develop informed, critical, and ethically aware individuals capable of contributing thoughtfully to discussions about health, medicine, and society in the modern world.

The Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Glasgow offers students a comprehensive exploration of historical events, developments, and ideas from ancient times to the modern era. The programme provides a solid foundation in historical methodology, critical analysis, and research skills, enabling students to understand how history has shaped societies, cultures, and civilizations across the centuries. With an emphasis on the History of Medicine, students will have the opportunity to examine the development of medical practices, healthcare systems, and biomedical knowledge within their broader historical contexts. This specialization allows for an in-depth understanding of how medical theories, technologies, and public health policies evolved, impacting individual lives and societal progress.

Students will engage with a diverse range of historical periods and themes, including medieval, early modern, and contemporary history, with particular focus on the social, cultural, and political facets of medical history. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills through a variety of modules, seminars, and independent research projects. In addition to core modules, students can choose options that explore topics such as the history of disease, medical ethics, gender and medicine, and public health movements.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from expert-led lectures, interactive seminars, and access to extensive archives and digital resources. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of historical processes and equip students with the skills necessary for careers in education, research, museums, heritage, public history, or further postgraduate studies.

The programme also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from fields such as archaeology, anthropology, and medical sciences to provide a well-rounded historical perspective. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests, culminating in a dissertation that showcases their ability to undertake independent scholarly work. The supportive academic staff and vibrant student community at the University of Glasgow make this programme an enriching educational experience, preparing graduates to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to discussions about history, medicine, and their ongoing influence on society.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History at the University of Glasgow requires students to complete a core curriculum that provides a comprehensive understanding of historical processes, themes, and methodologies. Typically, students undertake a combination of compulsory modules and optional courses, allowing them to tailor their studies toward particular periods, regions, or thematic interests, such as the History of Medicine. The programme emphasizes the development of critical analysis, research skills, and academic writing.

During the first year, students are introduced to fundamental historical concepts, methods, and chronological frameworks, often including modules on early history, modern history, and historical theory. They may also explore interdisciplinary approaches, such as social history, cultural history, and the history of medicine, which can include topics like the evolution of medical practices, public health policies, and medical ethics across different eras. Second-year modules typically delve deeper into specific periods or regions, including modules on European history, British history, or thematic studies focusing on medicine, health, and society.

In the third year, students undertake an independent dissertation project, usually involving extensive research on a chosen topic within the history of medicine or related fields. This involves original analysis, critical thinking, and the application of primary and secondary sources. Alongside the dissertation, students select advanced modules that may include topics such as medical innovation, the history of hospitals, epidemiology, and the social impact of medical developments.

Assessment methods generally include written essays, examinations, presentations, and the dissertation. Entry into the programme typically requires standard academic qualifications such as A-levels or equivalent, with an offer based on predicted grades, and a personal statement that demonstrates interest and motivation in historical studies, especially in the history of medicine. The programme encourages the development of transferable skills valued in various careers, including research, education, public history, and health sectors.

Throughout the duration of the programme, students benefit from the University’s academic resources, including specialized archives, libraries, and opportunities for participation in research seminars and conferences. The degree aims to produce graduates with a nuanced understanding of historical processes, advanced research skills, and specific expertise in the history of medicine, equipping them for postgraduate study or diverse professional paths.

The University of Glasgow offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in its History programs, including those with a specialization in the History of Medicine. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, level of study, and specific program. For UK and EU students, the annual tuition fee typically ranges from approximately £9,000 to £12,000 for undergraduate courses, while international students may pay between £15,000 and £20,000 per year. Postgraduate students might encounter different fee structures, often with fees starting around £4,500 for Scottish students and up to £15,000 for international students, depending on the course and level.

The University of Glasgow provides several scholarship opportunities to assist with financing studies. These include merit-based scholarships awarded to high-achieving students, potential bursaries for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and subject-specific awards for students enrolled in history and related disciplines. For postgraduate students, funding may come through university scholarships, research grants, or external funding bodies. Applicants are encouraged to explore the university’s dedicated scholarship portal for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Furthermore, the university participates in national loan schemes such as the Student Loan Company, which provides tuition fee loans and maintenance loans for eligible students. International students may access funding options through their home country, the British Council, or other international scholarship programs. Part-time work opportunities within the campus, such as research assisting or administrative roles, are available to help students offset living expenses, subject to visa regulations for international students.

Students are advised to plan their financing early and to contact the university’s financial aid office for personalized assistance and guidance. The university aims to make higher education accessible by offering flexible payment plans and financial support schemes tailored to diverse student needs. Additional external funding sources, including charitable foundations and industry-specific grants, can also be explored to supplement financial planning. Overall, the University of Glasgow provides comprehensive support to ensure that students can focus on their academic pursuits in History and the History of Medicine without undue financial hardship.

The History program at the University of Glasgow offers students a comprehensive exploration of historical events, movements, and figures, with a specialized emphasis on the history of medicine. This multidisciplinary course enables students to gain a deep understanding of how medical knowledge, practices, and institutions have evolved over centuries and how they have influenced societal development. The program combines traditional historical methods with perspectives from social, cultural, and medical history to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources, critical analysis, and research projects, fostering skills in historical investigation, argumentation, and communication. The curriculum covers various periods and regions, allowing for comparative studies and thematic approaches such as the history of healthcare, medical ethics, and the impact of medical innovations on society. In addition to core modules, students can choose from a diverse array of optional courses, including topics related to medieval medicine, the history of psychiatry, and the development of public health policies. The program also emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding contemporary medical issues and challenges. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in academia, museums, healthcare administration, policy analysis, or further postgraduate research. The University of Glasgow's Scottish Centre for Studies in Public Policy and other specialized research centers provide excellent opportunities for student engagement with current debates and scholarly work. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a nuanced understanding of how medicine and history intertwine, preparing students for a variety of professional paths or further academic study in history, medicine, or related fields.