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History of Medicine (MA) (2021 Entry)

Picture of history students



  • Course Code
  • P-V3P7
  • Course Type
  • Postgraduate Taught
  • Qualification
  • MA
  • Duration
  • Full-time: 1 year
  • Part-time: 2 years
  • Location of Study
  • University of Warwick


History of Medicine MA will introduce you to the advanced study of the history of medicine, engaging with a range of concepts and placing medical theory in a broad social and cultural framework. Study at the University of Warwick's History department, an internationally recognised centre for innovative and influential research.


This MA encourages you to place developments within medical theory and practice in a broad social and cultural framework, and use a wide range of sources available to the historian of medicine (such as medical texts, practice records, diaries, case records, public health reports and health propaganda, and visual sources). Most modules are taught by a team of experts, ensuring that you are exposed to as many different viewpoints and approaches as possible.

The Term One core module ‘Themes and Methods in Medical History’ is designed to introduce you to some of the main historiographical approaches and debates within the history of medicine from the early modern period to the twenty-first century. The module focuses on the evolution of ideas, institutions and practices within medicine, the reception of new approaches and lay responses, the structure of medical practice and the medical professions, and the scientific, social and cultural context of medical intervention.

The Term Two core module, 'Matters of Life and Death' focuses on recent contributions to the discipline, providing you with the opportunity to discuss in depth methodologies and approaches, the research questions underpinning the work and theoretical frameworks, while also relating the seminars to your interests and dissertation research. By studying these texts, you will actively engage with the wide range of sources available.

The final key element is the dissertation - here you have a large amount of freedom to develop a project of your own choice with help and guidance from your supervisor who will meet with you throughout the third term. Throughout the year you’ll be able to take advantage of the Department’s six research centres, especially the Centre for the History of Medicine, and participate in the lively schedule of academic research seminars, lectures and conferences.

The programme will appeal equally to those wishing to undertake further postgraduate study and those pursuing a career outside of the University, equipping you with research, writing and critical thinking skills vital in a range of professions.


Core Modules

  • Historical Research: Theory, Skills and Methods
  • Themes and Methods in Medical History
  • Matters of Life and Death: Topics in the Medical Humanities
  • Dissertation (60 Credits)

Optional Modules

You are required to take one of the following:

  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Religious Cultures
  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Consumption
  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Empire
  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Gender and Sexuality
  • Themes in the History of Science, Technology, Environment and Society, 1500-today

Minimum requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject

English language requirements Band C
IELTS overall score of 7.5, minimum component scores of two at 6.5/7.0 and the rest at 7.5 or above

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.


For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.


History Master’s graduates have pursued careers in the civil service, NGOs, education, law and in a range of research roles across the private sector.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • A Career to suit you
  • Discovering Careers in the Creative Industries
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.