MA Medical and Health Humanities at Birkbeck, University of London

Our MA Medical and Health Humanities offers you a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to the study of health, illness and medicine through cultural, historical and philosophical perspectives. Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking to deepen your understanding of the human experience in healthcare, or someone with cross-disciplinary interests in medicine and health, this course has been developed to give you the chance to explore the fascinating intersections of medicine, culture and ethics.

Faculty: School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication  |  Duration: One year full-time, on campus; One year full-time, online; One year full-time, flexible learning; Two years part-time, on campus; Two years part-time, online; Two years part-time, flexible learning  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time, online option  |  Intake: October 2027  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

If you are a doctor, nurse, therapist or healthcare professional, then the Medical and Healthcare Professional Pathway through this course allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the patient experience, medical ethics and cultural perceptions of health and illness. By engaging with literature, visual culture, history and philosophy you will gain critical skills in communication and ethical decision-making, all of which are essential for leadership and innovation in healthcare. Compulsory modules include Future Bodies: Medicine, Culture, and Technology, Narrative Medicine.

Career pathways

Graduates can pursue career paths in a wide range of different fields, including in: medicine, academia, research, publishing, journalism, healthcare education or administration, community health, education, law.

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