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

Overview

The Life Science and Science Communication and Society master's specialisation focuses on the interaction between science and society.
Increasingly, the general public wants to be and needs to be informed about scientific topics. At the same time, scientists need to show accountability to the general public about their research. In this specialisation you bridge the gap between experts and the public by combining high quality research in life sciences with extensive training in science communication. After completion you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become science communicator with a strong LST background, or a researcher with a communicating mindset.

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Want to combine high quality life science research with professional science communication? Then, this master's specialisation is an excellent opportunity for you. You will be prepared for a career as a science or health communicator, policy maker, PR officer, science journalist, health officer, museum educator or a researcher with a communicating mindset.

What you will learn

The SCS courses train you in practical and theoretical aspects of science communication. Internships help you decide whether you want to choose a career in science communication or Life Science research or a combination.
The entire MSc programme in combination with the Science Communication and Society (SCS) specialisation consists of two components:

* Life Science and Technology component ( 60 – 80 EC)
* Science Communication and Society component (40 – 60 EC)

Preferably, you follow the LST component during the first year of the programme and the Science Communication and Society component during the second year.

Career prospects

The master's degree is a stepping-stone for those graduates with the aspiration to pursue a PhD degree. Students with a desire to apply their knowledge of the life sciences outside the university have good job possibilities in R&D departments in industry, business, public utility companies, teaching, consultancy and government bodies. Many students eventually attain higher management positions.

Below is a list of organisations where SCS students can fulfill internships or where 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.

* PhD research in science communication or in your own research field.

Examples of jobs

• Communication officer
• Information officer
• Science editor
• Science journalist
• Museum educator
• Science communicator

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.