A unique opportunity to study health from diverse perspectives
Year of entry: 2023 (September)
1 year full-time,
2 years part-time
September 2023 (semester dates)
Meet us online or in person to find out more about postgraduate study at York.
See upcoming eventsThe MA in Medical History and Humanities is an exciting interdisciplinary course jointly run by the Departments of History and English. It is also open to people with backgrounds in other humanities disciplines, as well as those with social science, science and public health backgrounds with an interest in the medical humanities.
The course is shaped by cutting-edge international research spanning the fields of medical history, literature, sociology, philosophy, health sciences and policy. Students and staff from varying disciplines, periods and geographical regions work collaboratively, giving you a distinctive interdisciplinary and international experience.
You'll explore historical, literary, social and cultural perspectives on illness and health, general wellbeing, issues of public health and the history of medicine. You'll examine the links between history, the humanities and policy to gain advanced skills in analysis and critical reflection.
The course draws on expertise from:
Strengthened by an intimate class size and a wide range of backgrounds, we engaged in fascinating discussions on bodies, healthcare and illness across temporal and geographical boundaries. From early modern vitalism to the story of Henrietta Lacks, the course offers a thorough approach to emergent and traditional themes in the medical humanities.Alice, MA Medical History and Humanities student
This course crosses the boundaries of several disciplines, allowing you to look at current and past studies in a different light.
for English Language and Literature and History in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023
Over the year, you’ll study a core module and a selection of option modules. You'll also hone your research skills with training throughout the year, and then complete a 14,000 - 16,000 word dissertation.
You will study three option modules. Modules are offered from both the Department of History and the Department of English. You can choose from a range of topics in medical history, the humanities and beyond. In previous years, options have covered topics such as:
The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. For further information please get in touch.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
You will write a dissertation of between 14,000 - 16,000 words on a topic of your choice. Using source materials and analysis techniques, you will draft up the findings into an independently researched dissertation.
You will receive support, advice and guidance from your dissertation adviser throughout your project. The range of expertise of our staff and of our source materials means we can provide you with guidance on a wide range of topics.
You will have five one-to-one meetings with your dissertation adviser across Semester 2 and the summer period (June/July). In these meetings, you will discuss the feasibility of your project and receive feedback on two draft chapters of your dissertation.
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £9,990 | £22,250 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£4,995 | £11,125 |
Students on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa) are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
There is no obligation to purchase books or other texts - all core texts and resources will be available in our library or online.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2023/24 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
Most of your modules will consist of weekly two-hour seminars. The Research Training module will be taught through three-hour workshops. You will normally work in small groups of fewer than 20 students.
You will be based in the Department of History in Vanbrugh College on Campus West. Most of your teaching will take place in Vanbrugh College.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You will be primarily assessed by essays and your dissertation. You will have the chance to submit assignments for formative assessment. These assessments do not affect your final mark but will give you an opportunity to receive written feedback on your work and 1:1 personal guidance from your tutors. You will also have opportunities to present your work in different formats and develop your public speaking and presentation skills.
You will complete this course with the academic, personal, and professional skills needed to pursue further academic research, or expand your career horizons towards health policy analysis, consultancy, or project work in the governmental and non-governmental sectors.
This course provides unique insights into health and medical policy, meaning you'll have the opportunity to better understand the links between health and social and economic development, as well as cross-cultural policy-making, via certain option modules.
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:1 or equivalent |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
You will need to submit examples of written work with your application. Please see our guidance on submitting written work.
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 7.0, minimum 6.5 in each component |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 185, minimum 176 in each component |
| Duolingo | 130, minimum 120 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | C1 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert International ESOL | C1 Expert: Pass with 25/50 in each component |
| PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online | 67, minimum 61 in each component |
| TOEFL | 96, minimum 23 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Distinction in all components |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Get in touch if you have any questions
Department of English and Related Literature, Department of History
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