About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: P90012
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Applied Sciences
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: 12-18 months full-time or 30-42 months part-time: students attend three teaching blocks for each 30 credit course module.
- Delivery: Full-time, part-time.
- Programme leader: Dr Clare Wilkinson
Introduction
The Science Communication Unit based at UWE is renowned for its innovative and diverse range of national and international activities, designed to engage the public with science. The Science Communication Unit has developed a truly world class MSc course attracting students from around the globe. The Unit pools its expertise, resources and contacts to deliver a Master's course that offers unrivalled professional development opportunities for those already working as science communicators or aiming to move into the field.
The city of Bristol is a hub for the science communication community. Bristol is home to BBC Bristol who have worked on a range of natural history programmes including Planet Earth and the popular science magazine, BBC Focus. Located in the city is the award winning science centre At-Bristol, who have collaborated with the Science Communication Unit to develop a number of innovative initiatives.
The MSc Science Communication at UWE utilises these links by providing a range of visiting lecturers who offer practical experience of the media as well as projects designed to bring science directly to the public. This is fully supported by a teaching team who are actively working in the science communication field or related research.
The degree focuses on practical skill development and offers you the opportunity to study both how to take science directly to the public and ways of communicating science through the media. Introductory modules provide a broad theoretical underpinning in issues such as the rationale for the public understanding of science, understanding the audience, the role of the media in society, communication theory and models of informal learning. You then have the opportunity to specialise by selecting optional modules which cover both practical skills related to taking science directly to the public, new approaches to science communication, including digital media, science writing and broadcasting. Specialisation at this stage allows you to hone your practical skills and develop an individual portfolio that demonstrates your expertise as a science communicator. In the final year, you may choose to further develop your portfolio, for example, by mounting a practical science communication project, or to undertake a more theoretical or research-based project.
The weaving together of theory and practice ensures that the award is both intellectually stimulating and provides the skills that employers seek.
If for any reason you are unable to complete the whole MSc, you may gain a Postgraduate Certificate by completing 60 credits or a Postgraduate Diploma by completing 120 credits. The MSc requires 180 credits in total.
Structure
Content
You will take the following two modules (30 credits each):
Science and Society - provides a theoretical perspective on the public understanding of science movement and underpins the development of the practical skills needed to take science directly to the public.
Science, the Public and Media - explores debates about the role of the media in society and as a vehicle for science communication.
You then choose any two of the following four modules (30 credits each):
Broadcasting Science - builds broadcasting skills and allows you to experience the world of radio and TV.
New opportunities in Science Communication - examines cutting edge and alternative approaches to science communication.
Hands-on Science Communication - develop your own science communication initiative in this hands-on module.
Writing Science - develops journalistic and other writing styles with a view to developing a portfolio.
Project (60 credits) - you may choose to further develop your portfolio, undertake a work-based project or research study.
Teaching and learning
Unlike most other Master's courses in this area, this course seeks to meet the needs of working students. There are short, intensive teaching blocks of three to five days. You can expect to attend three teaching sessions for each 30 credit module. Those studying part-time will take two 30 credit modules each for two academic years. It is possible to complete the part-time course in two years by completing the project during the summer of the second year or to take a third year. Full-time students take four taught modules and complete the project in 14 months. Group sessions are supplemented by directed and independent study, e-mail discussion, tutorials and mentoring.
The final project is designed to be completed independently with support from a tutor and may involve a work placement or work-based research.
You are guided throughout the MSc by the following core staff:
Dr Clare Wilkinson
Dr Karen Bultitude
Dr Emma Weitkamp
Malcolm Love
In addition the team has been fortunate in attracting a very talented range of specialist speakers, from the UK and internationally, who provide their perspectives as guest lecturers on modules.
Here are some of the things our past students have said about the course:"It was fascinating to learn about the cutting-edge of science communication in the UK and throughout the world, from the Sci-Art scene and Cafe Scientifiques to new ideas around dialogue with the public. I truly looked forward to every visit to Bristol and my UWE courses, and left each time, incredibly energised to return to the US and share what I had learnt with my museum colleagues."'You have lots of fun working in groups to develop a radio and television programme with advice from experts to help you along your way. I found it very satisfying seeing a project through from the start to its completion.'"Guided by professionals from many fields of science writing, you will take part in group projects, such as websites and magazines, and develop a range of writing skills to put together a portfolio. As well as practical advice on how to make a career as a science writer you will learn, through student seminars, the theory behind communicating science effectively."
Assessment
Modules are assessed in a variety of ways, to reflect the theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills that are developed in this course. These include development of portfolios, reports and oral presentations and can be used to provide evidence for prospective employers. The ability to evaluate your own work and others' performance is critical to success in the workplace and several assessments are designed to help you acquire these skills.
Careers/further study
Employment opportunities in the science communication and media industries are varied. The practical communication skills developed on this Master's course are in high demand in both the private and public sector, opening up many avenues outside the traditional science communication industry. You might choose from a career as diverse as:
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Science Centres and Museums
- Educational Liaison Officers
- Publishing
- Information Officers
- Multi-media
- Professional Consultancy
- NHS/Medical Charities
- Research Council/Learned Institutions
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants normally have an honours degree awarded by a UK institute of higher education of at least lower second status, in a relevant subject.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
How to apply
Please apply for this course by clicking on the link in the 'next steps' red box on the right hand side of this page.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011