爱丁堡大学作为科学技术研究（STS）的领先研究中心而享誉国际。爱丁堡学者在全球范围内研究科学技术发展的社会和历史方面。研究方面的特别优势包括：科学的历史和哲学，技术的社会形态，医学的历史，争议的政治和科学技术的公众参与，科学，技术和性别，金融市场和排放交易的社会学计划，生物技术和生命科学创新，信息和通信技术的开发和使用，可持续性创新，发展中国家的科学技术。
The MSc by Research in Science and Technology Studies is for students who are looking to gain research skills in the social sciences, with a specific focus on Science and Technology Studies.<br><br>Most students who are considering a PhD in Science and Technology Studies are strongly advised to first complete this MSc by Research. It serves as an introductory year to expand their STS knowledge, develop research skills and hone the doctoral research proposal.<br><br>Students take a programme of coursework combining training in social science research methods with specialist courses that are specific to their interests and needs. The dissertation at the end of the MSc(R) normally takes one of two forms:<br><br>A research proposal including a small pilot study as a standalone piece of work<br>A research proposal that can form the basis of the board paper if the student continues on with a doctoral study