MSc Science Communication

About the course

1 year full-time

This course will help you develop your skills to communicate science effectively to a general audience. You'll be from a scientific background looking to hone your communication skills. We'll teach you about the latest topics in science and how to communicate these to the media and beyond.

A major part of your studies will be the development of a written portfolio of work in our newsroom where you'll learn to communicate through clear, compelling and concise storytelling. You’ll also work on a group project to plan, organise and deliver your very own science exhibition.

Entry requirements

You'll need a 2:1 or equivalent in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, mathematics, engineering or other science-related subject.

English language requirements for overseas students

IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each element.

Entry requirements for international students

Core modules

• Why Communicate Science?
• Communicating Science
• Topical Science
• Develop Communication Skills
• Communicating with the Media
• Dissertation

Teaching

Research in Science and Journalism informs our teaching and you'll have access to our purpose built Science Communication Lab fitted with live TV streams and computers.

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Group work
• Masterclasses
• Project work
• Placements

Assessment

• Coursework
• Essays
• Portfolio
• Practical exercises
• Dissertation

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Dawn Green
E: sciencecommunication@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 4230

Your career

You'll gain a wide range of skills and experiences that will allow you to communicate science in a variety of different roles. Employers in science and technology, the medical and pharmaceutical industries, cultural industries, the science policy sector, education and the media will be interested in your qualification.

If you want to go into a research career in science, your masters will enable you to communicate your own research effectively. Or you could join one of the many science organisations or professional bodies as a press officer or policy maker.

About us

This course spans the Faculties of Science, Social Sciences and Medicine, Dentistry and Health giving you access to world-leading scientists and media practitioners in the field of science communication and journalism.

We have personal experiences of the delivery of science through many platforms including newspapers, periodicals, radio and television/film, websites and social networks as well as writing articles and books.

In September 2011, we held the first Working with the Media workshop at Red Tape studios in Sheffield.

Learning experiences

Science Communication students will be based in purpose-built facilities in the main University campus. You'll carry out much of your practical work in this space and in the Department of Journalism where you'll have access to all the latest equipment
for print, web and broadcast journalism.

Our print facilities include networked computers with Adobe Indesign, Incopy and Photoshop. For broadcasting we have access to radio and TV studios, digital TV editing suites and DV and HD camcorders. We also have multimedia and web authoring software including Dreamweaver and Adobe Premiere.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form