Astronomy and Science Communication and Society Leiden University

Overview

The Astronomy 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 astronomy with extensive training in science communication. After completion you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become science communicator with a strong astronomy background, or an astronomer with a communicating mindset.

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Want to combine high quality astronomy 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 an astronomy researcher with a communicating mindset.

Career prospects

Most graduates holding a MSc degree in Astronomy from Leiden University find work in many different capacities, including:

* Research: universities, observatories, research institutes

* Industry and consultancy: ICT, R&D, telecom, high technology, aerospace

* Finance: banking, insurance, pension funds

* Public sector: governments, policy makers, high schools

* Science communication: journalism, popular writing, museums

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

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

Accreditation

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