Human Science and Medical Ethics
Our teaching and research work in HSME involves the disciplines of sociology, psychology and philosophy (ethics).
In our teaching we cover most, if not all, of the medical sociology, psychology and medical ethics components of the medical school curriculum, and we also make substantial contributions to the teaching of social and psychological research methods.
In our research we contribute similarly in all three areas, specialising in particular in conducting studies that shed light on ethical issues by means of empirical investigation. As well as this, through studies of smoking cessation, communication in health care, the acceptability of clinical interventions, and other topics, we use our varied disciplinary backgrounds to illuminate the human experience of health care and illness.
Additionally, HSME researchers collaborate with others on a wide variety of other research projects, involving for example analysis of mass media coverage of health issues, qualitative studies of participation in randomised controlled trials, and personal scholarship and writing in the field of medical ethics.
HSME hosts the journal ‘Sociology of Health and Illness’, edited by Professor Clive Seale and co-editors from Kings and Royal Holloway University of London and managed by Liz Ackroyd.
Members of the Unit contribute to the London Research Design Service, providing advice on research funding applications to NHS staff.