Chemistry - Chemistry and Science Communication and Society Specialisation Leiden University

Overview

The Chemistry 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 chemistry with extensive training in science communication. After completion you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become science communicator with a strong chemistry 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 chemistry 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 Chemistry research or a combination.
The entire MSc programme in combination with the Science Communication and Society (SCS) specialisation consists of two components:

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

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

Career prospects

The specialisation deals with science communication in a broad sense. The programme prepares students for a career at the interface of science and public affairs, for example as science writer, science policymaker, public relations officer or as research scientist with a particular communication skills.
The MSc programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a sound theoretical basis.

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.

Accreditation

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