Postgraduate studyPostgraduate study
Related links

Course and degree finder

Degree information Back to all subject areas Back to Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences taught or research selection

Science Communication and Public Engagement

Apply for this Degree

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

MSc Science Communication and Public Engagement - 1 Year (Full-time)
Fees

Information on fees & costs

Individual programme fees are linked above. For detailed information on fee status, policies, payment and funding opportunities see:

Contact information
Dr Elizabeth Stevenson (Programme Director)
Phone: +44 (0) 131 650 3258
Email: e.stevenson@ed.ac.uk
Address: School of Biomedical Sciences
The University of Edinburgh
Medical School, Teviot Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9AG

The field of science communication and public engagement with science is currently enjoying unprecedented growth.

This is driven by a greater need to demonstrate the impact of publicly funded research, the need for research to be valued, increased government scrutiny and a desire for a stronger evidence base for policy.

Many career opportunities are emerging at the interface between scientific research and various public groups.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a science-related subject is required. Other qualifications, at honours degree level combined with relevant experience, will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The deadline for applications for 2013 entry is 31 July 2013.

Supporting documentation must be uploaded together with your application. You should have all this documentation ready before you start the process. If you do not upload these documents, this will delay the application process.

International students

All applicants must meet our general entry and language requirements. Detailed advice for international students is available here:

Programme description

You will experience a variety of science communication and public engagement issues and methodologies. In the process, you will develop critical thinking skills and self-evaluation skills through reflective practice.

The learning gained from one course is transferrable to other courses, thus ensuring interconnection across the programme.

Programme structure

This MSc is a twelve-month programme, divided into three semesters. The final semester consists of a choice of research-or practice-based project. Students also complete placements in an organisational setting.

Teaching methods contain a blend of lectures, individual and small-group activities, and practice-based sessions. Teaching styles will be designed to ‘model’ the practices in science communication and public engagement.

Compulsory courses

Placements

Students will also complete two placements in public engagement workplaces.

The University of Edinburgh has excellent links with many organisations and placement opportunities include: National Museum Scotland, Edinburgh International Science Festival and placements in policy and education.

Career Opportunities

There has been a significant rise in opportunities available for scientists with the specialist knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to pursue roles at the interface between scientific 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.

Funding

Please see Scholarships and Student Funding Services for information about funding opportunities:

Further Information

This article was published on Apr 25, 2013


Accessibility menu