MSc/Postgraduate Diploma Science Communication

Based in our world-class Science Communication Unit and led by expert staff currently working in this constantly evolving field, this flexible programme is directly informed by current practice to combine theory and practice, and gives you excellent access to our strong industry links.

The Science Communication Unit at UWE Bristol is renowned for its innovative and diverse range of national and international activities designed to engage the public with science. Our MSc Science Communication course is an excellent opportunity to benefit from the Unit's expertise, resources and contacts.

Superb surroundings

Bristol is a hub for the science communication community. It's home to BBC Bristol, which produces a range of natural history programmes, including Life Story, and the popular science magazine, BBC Focus. Bristol is also home to the award-winning We The Curious, which the Unit has collaborated with over several years.

As well as drawing on the academic and practical experience of staff within the Science Communication Unit, our MSc programme gives you an opportunity to meet a range of visiting lecturers and benefit from their practical experience. This also provides an excellent networking opportunity for students interested in developing contacts among science communication practitioners.

The course combines a solid theoretical background with practical skill development, and has excellent links with the sectors and industries it informs. Visiting specialists also help you understand what they are looking for in future employees.

Introductory modules provide a broad theoretical foundation in issues such as the rationale for public engagement with science, understanding the audience, the role of the media in society, communication theory and models of informal learning.

You'll then have the opportunity to specialise by choosing from modules that cover practical skills related to taking science directly to the public, as well as new approaches to science communication such as digital media. This allows you to hone your practical skills and develop a portfolio that shows your expertise as a science communicator.

In the Final year, you may choose to further develop your portfolio, for example by mounting a practical science communication project, or take on a more theoretical or research-based project, perhaps with an external science communication organisation.

Inspirational and vocational

The weaving together of theory and practice ensures the award is intellectually stimulating while providing the skills employers seek.

Applicants normally have an honours degree awarded by a UK institute of higher education of at least lower second status, in a relevant subject.

If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.

Science communication skills are in high demand in a wide range of sectors and industries, such as journalism, public relations, science centres and museums, science education, professional consultancy and Research Council/learned institutions.

Throughout the course, we'll encourage you to develop the professional skills to help you secure employment or research positions. Successful employment for our graduates is essential to this course's success.

To help you achieve your career goals we offer the following opportunities:

• Learning Lab placements - Designed in collaboration with our students and host organisations. In recent years, students have been placed with BBC Focus Magazine, MS Research and Science City Bristol.
• External Science Communication project - As part of the project module, you can apply for a project working with an external organisation. In the past students have worked with organisations including Meningitis UK, the British Science Association, the British Geological Survey and the Green Man Festival.
• Dedicated careers sessions - From the outset, you have access to sessions that help you build your skills and experience with specific careers in mind. For example, We The Curious provides a session for you to find out about volunteering with them.
• The Postgraduate Science Communication Student Blackboard - This is a key way we inform you about voluntary, placement and paid job opportunities. After graduation, you can keep in touch with the team and other graduates on our LinkedIn group. 

Comments from local employers

"In our wildlife education and engagement projects we have a long history of working with students as volunteers, and it is always great to be able to link up with research projects that complement our work.

"This year we were able to work with an MSc Student from UWE Bristol on a research and development project about our BioBlitz citizen science scheme. Their enthusiasm and efficiency provided some great insights into the paucity of data and provided the bones for us to build a full evaluation programme in future." - Matt Postles, Project Manager, Bristol Natural History Consortium