Guide to Institutions

The histories of science, technology and medicine constitute one of the liveliest fields in higher education today.  This vitality springs from the great diversity of subjects and civilisations addressed, and from the wide variety of people and approaches involved.

The BSHS Guide to Institutions is both a directory of the academic profession in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and a resource for anyone interested in study or research in HSTM or related fields. 

• The Directory of Institutions is a browsable list of academic departments and institutions whose staff offer teaching, or are involved in active research, in any area of HSTM or related disciplines (including science studies and the study of perceptions of science).  This includes many institutions in which HSTM is pursued in the context of another discipline.
• The Directory of Taught Programmes is the recommended starting-point for anyone looking for undergraduate or postgraduate taught courses in the institutions covered.
• The List of Dedicated Departments and Centres provides convenient classified links to units devoted specifically to HSTM and related issues. 

The Guide to Institutions replaces the BSHS Guide to History of Science Courses in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, available in print before 2002 and latterly as a web document.  The change is intended to develop a picture of current research as well as teaching provision in the British Isles.  As well as course details, areas of research interest and the names of members of staff, the Guide includes brief profiles of most departments and information on local resources.  Beyond the core histories of science, technology and medicine, the Guide extends to fields including the philosophy and social studies of science, science communication studies, archaeology, economic history, the history of art and literature. 

The Guide is based on material gathered by Kate Litherland, and was most recently updated by Rebekah Higgitt with contributions from James Sumner. 

The information featured in this Guide will inevitably fall out of date from time to time owing to the rapid change which is a fact of life in any present-day academic environment; we attempt to update all listings at least annually, but cannot guarantee that information will be accurate (see disclaimer.)  Web links and direct contact details for the institutions described are provided where possible, to aid readers in checking the information provided.

If you wish to notify us of an inaccuracy, or propose an addition to the Guide, please email us at institutions@bshs.org.uk.  We are particularly interested to hear from researchers or teaching staff not currently included whose work intersects with the Society's interests.  Please note that, as resources are currently limited, we cannot guarantee immediate action or acknowledgment; however, all correspondence will be logged and dealt with as soon as possible.