Science writer : Entry requirements

Broadly speaking, there are two routes you can take to become a science writer:

• move from a science career into writing; or
• move from journalism into specialist science writing.

Many science writers have a science degree and sometimes even a postgraduate science qualification. A scientist can either migrate to science writing immediately upon graduation or can move into the industry after several years of scientific research. Sometimes writers with science degrees take on a further postgraduate qualification in journalism or scientific communications in order to further their scientific writing careers. These courses aim to help those from a science-based background to distil complex information to a level that the general public can understand.

A list of science communication courses can be accessed at British Science Association - Science Communication Courses . Some courses are better regarded so it is important to investigate if the course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) , what topics are covered, what graduates of the course go on to do and what work experience opportunities (if any) are incorporated.

Alternatively, a trained journalist or reporter can become a specialist in the area of science writing. Entering the journalism industry can be done in a number of ways. This may include taking an undergraduate degree in journalism or completing a degree in a different subject and then studying for a postgraduate qualification in journalism. Most journalists will start as a trainee and will undertake the NCTJ preliminary and then National Certificate Exam (NCE) qualifications. See newspaper journalist and magazine journalist for more information. To make it as a science writer with a journalism background, you will have to have an aptitude for science writing and be interested and enthusiastic about science.

Science writing is difficult to get into largely because of the number of media graduates looking for work. Regardless of how they enter the profession, potential candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent written and oral communication skills;
• a strong interest in science;
• ability to think logically and understand complex ideas and data;
• good organisational and time management skills;
• ability to work under pressure to deadline;
• resilience, determination, flexibility, persistence and motivation;
• good keyboard skills and a sound understanding of standard computer programs.

Candidates must be able to offer a portfolio of work. Recruiters will want to see as many published examples of your writing as possible, as evidence of your ability, and not just a list of your qualifications.

Prospective scientific writers should look for work experience opportunities with the below places:

• A university - write for the university as a whole or target societies, departments or halls of residences. Aim to get your work published in newspapers, newsletters, websites or blogs.
• A professional publication - professional bodies and media organisations may be able to offer work experience on their publications or websites. Professional bodies should allow you to contribute articles, particularly within their student-facing network. Contact the editor, or relevant sub-editor, of the publication with a speculative proposal.
• Media organisations - may be able to offer work experience.

You could also consider starting your own blog - it will enable you to compile a ready-made portfolio of work, which you can show to prospective employers. Also try to enter competitions as winning any type of writing award/prize will help you to stand out from the crowd.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.