Computer Science and Science Communication and Society Leiden University

Overview

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

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Want to combine high quality research in computer science 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 MSc degree guarantees thorough research training founded on a profound theoretical basis. The programme provides students with a thorough computer science background that will allow them to pursue careers in research or industrial environments. Students in Leiden work in a multinational environment and are being prepared to work in international settings.

Career prospects

The Computer Science and Science Communication and Society master's specialisation deals with science communication in a broad sense. The programme prepares students for careers in the popularisation of science, especially computer science, for example as science writer or public relations officer, or for a career as a scientist with a communication mindset.

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.