This programme explores the ways in which science, technology and medicine have been represented and imagined in literature, and how literary and scientific practices have interacted, since the Enlightenment. In modern times, literature and the sciences are often assumed to be completely separate domains, but the links between them are intimate and varied. Science is an integral part of modern literary culture: literary works from poems to novels frequently revolve around existing scientific knowledge, for instance about the workings of the mind and body or the evolutionary history of life. They use and transform this knowledge to explore wider cultural and societal concerns, while science fiction and utopian writings make similar use of speculative versions of current science. Conversely, literary scholars and historians have shown literary form to be an integral part of scientific culture. Narrative is fundamental to the professional expression of scientific and medical knowledge, while works of 'popular science' present scientific ideas to wider audiences in forms designed to appeal to the imagination. The Masters in Literature, Science and Medicine explores these varied interactions from both literary and historical perspectives. The programme is interdisciplinary, and it offers a considerable level of choice in what periods, topics and literary traditions to focus on. Its teaching staff have expertise in English literary studies; French and Francophone studies; Hispanic studies; Scandinavian studies; Irish and Scottish studies; and history and philosophy of science, technology and medicine. The programme is particularly well suited to applicants with backgrounds in literary, linguistic, historical, philosophical or social studies, but applications are considered from students with other backgrounds as well. No special scientific or linguistic knowledge is required. This programme is underpinned by the expertise of staff in three research centres: the Centre for History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine, the Centre for Medical Humanities, and the Centre for the Novel.

This programme will develop a wide range of skills that will equip you for many possible futures. It provides a strong platform for further study and research in the academic world. It will also improve your research, presentation and communication skills — all highly prized by employers. Its distinctive interdisciplinary approach – enabling you to think critically about the relationship between science and culture – will give you a high level of critical awareness, which employers both within and outside academia will value. Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in teaching, publishing, journalism, creative writing, marketing, accounting, public relations, merchant banking and entrepreneurship. The opportunities within this programme to study across cultural boundaries and in different languages provide an international element to your studies which may also widen your sense of the global possibilities for your career