MA in Medical Humanities
Durham, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The MA in Medical Humanities at Durham University explores how arts, humanities and social sciences intersect with healthcare, examining patient care, medical ethics, empathy, storytelling, literature, and art. The programme offers part-time study; it combines theory and practical insight to develop analysis, communication and ethical-reasoning skills and encourages reflection on values and patient experience.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter healthcare, research or education. Paths include clinical ethics, health policy, medical education, medical writing and communications, patient advocacy, arts in health, public health engagement and postgraduate research. Clinical ethicist, Health policy analyst, Medical educator, Medical writer/communicator, Patient advocacy and arts-in-health practitioner.
The MA in Medical Humanities is designed to explore how arts, humanities, and social sciences intersect with healthcare. It looks at questions around patient care, medical ethics, and the human side of medicine. The program aims to give students a broader understanding of the cultural, ethical, and social factors that influence health and illness. Students can expect to engage with topics like empathy in medicine, storytelling, and how literature and art relate to health experiences. The course combines theoretical learning with practical insights, helping students understand the complexities of healthcare from multiple perspectives.
The program offers flexibility through part-time study options and promotes critical thinking about the role of culture and ethics in health. It’s suitable for those interested in healthcare careers, medical research, or academia. Throughout the course, students develop skills in analysis, communication, and ethical reasoning. These skills prepare them to challenge assumptions and contribute thoughtfully to conversations about health and medicine. The program encourages students to reflect on personal values and develop a deeper understanding of the human experience in medical settings, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a meaningful approach to healthcare studies.
