The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Science Communication and Public Engagement MSc
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,500 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international/EU | for scotland and rest of UK: GBP 13,000
Key Summary
The program covers the communication of all science, engineering, maths, and technology.
The fields of science communication and public engagement are currently enjoying unprecedented growth. The growth is driven by many situations present in modern society including:
- The need for effective public health and climate change communication and engagement
- A greater need to demonstrate and share the impact of publicly funded research
- The need for research to be valued and a desire for a stronger evidence base for policy decisions.
Many career opportunities are emerging at the interface between research and various stakeholder groups, and ever more creative methodologies for engagement are being explored. The program covers the communication of and engagement with all sciences, engineering, maths, and technology together with non-science disciplines.
You will experience a variety of science communication and public engagement approaches and contexts. In the process, you will develop critical thinking skills and reflective practice.
The learning gained from one course is transferable to other courses, thus ensuring interconnection across the program.
Please note this MSc is NOT a program in communication science and does not specialize in marketing, advertising, or corporate communication.
There has been a significant rise in opportunities available for individuals with the specialist knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to pursue roles at the interface between research and the public.
These roles can be found in, for example, higher education institutions, museums, science centres, learned societies, and consultancies for democratic decision-making.
Examples of specific roles include:
- Engagement managers
- Information and education officers
- Policy and knowledge brokers
This MSc is a one-year programme, divided into three semesters. The final semester consists of a choice of research or practice-based project.
Teaching methods contain a blend of seminars with individual and small-group activities, together with practice-based sessions. Teaching styles will be designed to ‘model’ the practices in science communication and public engagement.
Compulsory courses
Semester 1
- Principles and Practice in Science Communication and Public Engagement (20 credits)
- Science, Society, and the Media (20 credits)
- The Role of Social Media in Science Communication and Public Engagement (10 credits)
- Placement course (10 credits)
Semester 2
- Dialogue for Science Communication and Public Engagement (20 credits)
- Science Education (10 credits)
- Science, Policy, and Practice (10 credits)
- Placement course (10 credits)
- Choice of Elective courses (10 credits)
Examples of elective courses include:
- Digital Making and Information Visualisation for Science Communication and Public Engagement (10 credits)
- Creative Arts and Science Engagement (10 credits)
Following semester 2
Dissertation (60 credits)
Year 1
- Science Communication/Public Engagement Placement
- Science, Policy and Practice
- Principles and Practice in Science Communication and Public Engagement
- Science, Society and the Media
- Dialogue for Science Communication and Public Engagement
- Science Communication and Public Engagement Placement 2
- The Role of Social Media in Science Communication and Public Engagement
- Engagement and Enrichment in STEM Education (STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)
- Science Communication/Public Engagement Dissertation
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- Borrowing money
- Taking out a loan
- Family support
- Personal savings
- Income from work
- Employer sponsorship
- Scholarships
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- Your programme
- The duration of your studies
- Your tuition fee status
Programs studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.