Physics and Science Communication and Society Leiden University

Overview

The master's specialisation Physics and Science Communication and Society 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 physics with extensive training in science communication. After completion you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become science communicator with a strong physics background, or a physics researcher with a communicating mindset.

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Do you want to combine high quality physics 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 Physics research.

The entire MSc programme in combination with the Science Communication and Society (SCS) specialisation consists of two components:

* Physics component (60 – 80 EC)

* Science communication and Society component (40 – 60 EC)

The 2-year programme consists of a Physics component, to be followed in the first year, and a Science Communication and Society component, followed in the second year. The Physics component of the SCS specialisation includes mandatory courses (15 EC), a research project (36 EC) and electives (9 EC). The science communication component of the specialisation includes coursework (23 EC), internship(s) and research proposal (minimum of 17 EC).

Preferably, you follow the Physics component during the first year of the programme and the SCS component during the second year.

Career prospects

This specialization prepares students for a career in science communication, e.g. as a science communicator, a science policymaker or a public relations or health communication officer, or for a career as a scientist with a communicating mind-set. The experiences and insights gained will be of benefit to those who intend to continue in an academic environment, for example as a PhD candidate in their own specialist field. The ability to communicate about science is an essential skill for all scientists.

See here where 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.