Life Science and Technology - Life Science and Science Communication and Society Specialisation Leiden University

Overview

The Life Science and Technology - Life Science and Science Communication and Society Specialisation from Leiden University prepares students for a career in popularisation of science, for example, as a science communicator, a science policymaker or a public relations or health communication officer, or for a career as a scientist with a communicating mindset.

The specialisation-specific components consisting of both courses and an internship are offered by lecturers in Science Communication & Society (SCS). The primary focus in this specialisation is on science communication in the Netherlands, and students explore various aspects of professional science communication.

The internship will be in the field of science communication (e.g. science journalism, museology, new media, health communication). The total internship period may consist of one internship, or can be divided into 2 smaller internships.

Careers

After graduation you have a lot of opportunities: the field of science communication is very broad. You can also aim for a career in industry or research.

Acquired skills and competence

The Master of Science programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a sound theoretical basis. After graduating you will have excellent knowledge of Life Sciences and highly developed research skills. Moreover you have obtained the skills and knowledge to apply your LST background to SCS careers. Some examples of career at the interface of science and public affairs are:  science writer, science policymaker, public relations officer or research scientist with particular communication skills.

SCS job and internship opportunities 

Below you will find an overview of organisations where you can fulfill your SCS internships and where our alumni have found jobs:

• Science editorial offices at newspapers.
• Popular science magazines such as Kijk, New Scientist, Quest.
• Professional journals such as Bionieuws, Chemisch2Weekblad.
• Science museums, science centers, or zoos such as Naturalis, Boerhaave, Museon, Nemo, Artis, Blijdorp.
• Educational organisations such as Stichting C3, Technolab Leiden, UNAWE.
• Patient organisations and health organisations such as Diabetes Fonds, Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds, Nierstichting, KWF.
• Organisations for environmental education such as Natuurmonumenten.
• Radio, television, such as Klokhuis, SchoolTV, De Kennis van Nu.
• Websites with science information such as Kennislink, De Kennis van Nu.
• Research information officer at a university or research institute.
• Our own Science Communication & Society department; student research about mass media, citizen science, museum learning; PhD research in science communication.
• PhD in your own research field; increasingly, scientists with science communication skills are appreciated.