Science Communication

Entry requirements

Please see http://courses.uwe.ac.uk/P90012 for more information.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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 Practical 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 are the Curious science centre (formally known as At-Bristol), 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 MSc Science Communication 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.

Inpirational and vocational

The weaving together of theory and practice ensures the award is intellectually stimulating while providing the skills employers seek. If you can't commit to a full MSc programme, you might consider the Postgraduate Diploma option. Or, if you're interested in a shorter course, focusing only on the practical elements of science communication, you may decide on our Postgraduate Certificate in Practical Science Communication.

For up to date list of modules and course delivery please visit our website.

We hold a number of University-wide open evenings as well as a number of subject specific events throughout the year for anyone considering postgraduate and professional study. Visit http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/whatson/opendays/postgraduateopendays.aspx

Fees and funding

Please see our postgraduate funding pages for more information.