Durham University
The MA in Medical Humanities is an interdisciplinary MA led by Durham’s Institute for Medical Humanities (IMH), and the Department of English Studies. The MA is suitable for students whose undergraduate training is in Anthropology, English, Geography, Law, Modern Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, Sociology, and related disciplines in humanities and social sciences. The MA is also suitable for students from backgrounds in health and social care seeking to bring humanities and social sciences perspectives to bear in their professional practice.
The main aims of the course are to provide a rigorous introduction to the variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to health which make up the critical medical humanities and to equip you to undertake further research into health and human experience in a variety of contexts. The programme offers outstanding interdisciplinary training to equip you with the skills you need for your future career. It is taught by specialists who are members of the IMH, primarily from the Departments of Anthropology, English, Geography, Law, Modern Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
You will become part of the vibrant research communities both within departments and the IMH. In particular, students become members of the Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers (PGECR) network in Medical Humanities, which organises regular seminars, conferences and social events.
All students on the MA in Medical Humanities take two core modules: Concepts and Frameworks in the Critical Medical Humanities, and Reimagining Health Research (30 credits each, both delivered online). You will also write a dissertation (60 credits), supervised by one of Durham’s specialists, which allows you to focus on a specialist topic of your choice in the Medical Humanities. You will also take optional modules from participating Departments to bring your course total to 180 credits (MA). All elements of the MA have embedded within them a range of interdisciplinary content and skills.
The MA can be completed entirely online or via a combination of online and in-person modules. PGDip and PGCert options are also available. Contact Durham University or Programme Director, Angela Woods for more information.
Entry Requirements
At least one of the following:
– A 2:1 undergraduate degree
– Active enrolment on an intercalated UG/PG medical degree programme
– At least five years work in a professional environment with relevance to health and/or medicine, with at least two years in some form of leadership role
– Successful completion of the associated PG Certificate programme
A 500-word personal statement which should include the following:
– An outline of your interest in an interdisciplinary MA in Medical Humanities
– What skills and knowledge you would bring to the course
– What skills and knowledge you would hope to acquire
– An indication of your planned area of research
Two professional and/or academic references from people who are familiar with your work, commenting on your suitability for the programme.
A brief one-on-one interview with a programme convenor.
Closing Date
1 September 2022