PhD/MPhil History of Science, Technology and Medicine / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

The Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM) is one of the largest groups in Britain dedicated not only to studying the history of science, technology and medicine but also science communication and medical humanities. The Centre is a focus for HSTM in the University, and helps draw together the work of staff in other discipline areas who work on similar and related themes. We have wide expertise and are home to a critical mass of researchers able to supervise many different types of project.

PhD or MPhil research in CHSTM allows students to develop expert status through detailed study of a clearly-defined case study in the history of science, technology or medicine, or science communication, whilst gaining broad professional skills in research, analysis and presentation. PhD students play an important role in the intellectual and social life of the Centre and contribute extensively to seminars, reading groups and conferences.

CHSTM research students enjoy some of the best study facilities of any comparable unit in the UK. Where possible we provide a dedicated desk with PC and storage space in our Centre for all full-time research students. Students have full access to a specialist library located within CHSTM, and are within five minutes' walk of the main University Library with its impressive special collections holdings. The Manchester area with its libraries, archives and museums is exceptionally rich in resources for the historical study of scientific, medical, technological and industrial change.

Find out more about our Centre on the CHSTM website

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD or MPhil research project at CHSTM, we recommend making informal contact with a member of staff whose research interests are closest to yours.

Find out more about the research interests of CHSTM academic staff

Recent publications by CHSTM academic staff

Some relevant PhD projects may be listed on the Faculty's Research Projects web page.

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.  

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk