Science Communication and Public Engagement (Online Learning) The University of Edinburgh

Overview

This innovative online programme is designed to equip you with the comprehensive skills necessary to excel in this rapidly growing field. You will gain a formal qualification that prepares you for a variety of roles at the interface between scientific research and public interaction.

The Science Communication and Public Engagement (Online Learning) programme at The University of Edinburgh will support the development of critical thinking and practical skills to engage a range of audiences with science and non-science disciplines and topics.

Ideal for professionals around the world, this programme offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to engage in high-quality education from wherever you are, without the need to disrupt your current professional or personal commitments. This feature caters especially to those who wish to benefit from a prestigious UK-based education while enjoying the convenience of online learning.

The curriculum is carefully crafted to enhance your ability to effectively communicate complex scientific topics to diverse audiences and to influence public and policy discussions. Our core courses are integral to developing critical skills needed in today’s information-driven society.

A standout aspect of this programme is its practical application. The programme culminates with a dissertation project, offering you the opportunity to delve deeply into a specific area of interest and apply your skills in a tangible way.

The Science Communication and Public Engagement (Online Learning) course at The University of Edinburgh can help you make a significant impact in the way science is communicated and understood globally. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career and educational goals in a dynamic and supportive online environment.

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
• consultancies for democratic decision-making

Examples of specific roles include:

• engagement managers
• information and education officers
• policy and knowledge brokers

Upon completion, you will be well-equipped to pursue or advance careers that bridge the gap between scientific research and public discourse.

Many students on the programme are in full-time employment, and their roles have developed to involve science communication and public engagement. They have found the programme extremely useful, and in some cases, the programme has led to promotion within the organisation.

Accreditation

• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
• The European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)
• The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC)
• The last evaluation was in 2015.