Science Communication and Public Engagement

Overview

The fields of science communication and public engagement are currently enjoying unprecedented growth.

This is driven by many situations present in modern society including public health and climate change crises, greater need to demonstrate and share the impact of publicly funded research, the need for research to be valued and a desire for a stronger evidence base for policy.

Many career opportunities are emerging at the interface between research and various stakeholder groups, and ever more creative methodologies for engagement are being explored. The Science Communication and Public Engagement programme at The University of Edinburgh  covers communication of and engagement with all sciences, engineering, maths and technology together with non-science disciplines.

You will experience a variety of science communication and public engagement approaches and contexts. In the process, you will develop critical thinking skills and reflective practice.

The learning gained from one course is transferable to other courses, thus ensuring interconnection across the programme.

Career opportunities

There has been a significant rise in opportunities available for individuals with the specialist knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to pursue roles at the interface between research and publics.

These roles can be found in, for example, higher education institutions, museums, science centres, learned societies and consultancies for democratic decision-making.

Examples of specific roles include:

• engagement managers

• information and education officers

• policy and knowledge brokers