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Science Communication MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This programme aims to train the next generation of science communicators to be mediators facilitating citizens’ engagement with technologies and the sciences. It combines a thorough practical curriculum in state of the art communication practices, closely connected to the world of work and career opportunities, with a theoretical backbone. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£15,100
£7,550
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£31,100
£15,550
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class (2.1) Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. There is no specific disciplinary entry requirement for this programme. Applicants with degrees from natural sciences, human sciences, social sciences, or arts and humanities are welcome to apply.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Today, with the rise of populism and concerns that we might be living in the dawn of a ‘post-truth’ era, the relationship between expertise, knowledge and the public have been brought into question; science and technology are shaping our lives in profound ways, bringing a quality of life to some that previous generations could not have dreamed of, while leaving others untouched or feeling left behind. At the same time, science and technology is a significant and growing part of the world’s economy, offering well paid and interesting jobs as well as promising relief from some of the biggest challenges facing us as a planet.  

This MSc in Science Communication sets out to train people to understand and help resolve some of these issues, recognising that good communication underpins many of the issues ahead, but that providing information alone will be insufficient to address tensions that arise between science and society. We recognise that even in the most ‘traditional’ science and tech PR or journalism roles, pumping out good news about science alone will not build the relationships, audiences or credibility that companies, broadcasters – or indeed society – want. To train the next generation of science communicators to be mediators facilitating citizens’ engagement with technologies and the sciences, we will combine a thorough practical curriculum in state of the art communication practices, closely connected to the world of work and career opportunities, with a theoretical backbone. 

Who this course is for

The programme is suitable for students with first degrees in a variety of subjects including natural sciences, social sciences, history, philosophy or art and humanities.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

We have award-winning tutors, public engagement and fantastic academic programmes. As a department, Science & Technology Studies is respected across UCL for our dedication to teaching and learning. We commit ourselves to creating academic experiences that reward hard work.

We are research active over an enormous range of topics. Our teaching builds on research not only in our subject specialties but also in the fundamentals of teaching and learning.

Our programme makes unique use of London’s attractions and resources. We have close links with the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Wellcome Library, and UCL Museums & Collections. We also use the city as a classroom, with custom-made walking tours, site visits, and special excursions. The module HPSC0089 Curating Science and Technology is taught at the Science Museum.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Our programme provides essential training for students wishing to pursue careers in science journalism, science documentary and filmmaking, science broadcasting, science museums, digital science communication. 

Employability

Through our practical modules, taught by professional communicators, students will be able to start networking in the professional milieu of science communication.  

Networking

There may be department and/or student organised alumni events, career events, lecture series, workshops, etc. that allow for networking.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. You'll also be expected to take part in both guided and self-guided personal work. Assessment is carried out through a blend of formative and summative assessment methods.

You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including, essays, different formats of writing (blog post, news brief, press releases, features, profiles, etc.), short films, short podcasts, and presentations (poster, PowerPoint). This culminates in an independent science communication project.

On average it is expected that a student spends 150 hours studying for each 15 credit module – this includes teaching time, private study and coursework. Modules are usually taught in two hour sessions over 10 weeks each term. Practical Science Writing is the exception and is taught over the reading week in Term 1.

A Postgraduate Diploma consisting of one core module (15 credits), five optional modules (75 credits) and two elective modules (30 credits) can be studied full- or part-time. A Postgraduate Certificate, on a full-time basis, consisting of one compulsory module (15 credits) and three optional modules (45 credits) is offered.

Modules

The curriculum is divided into two parts: theoretical and practical, with a core of six compulsory modules (three theoretical and three practical), plus a final project. Students will also choose one specialism module from a selection of three and one elective module from the STS module catalogue.

In term 1 students take two theoretical modules (Science Communication in a Global Perspective and Engaging the Public with Science) and two practical modules (Practical Science Writing and Practical Science Broadcasting).

In term 2 students take one theoretical module (Science Communication and Social Justice) and one practical module (Digital Media Skills for Science Communication). They also take one specialist option (Science Journalism, Science and the Publishing Industry or Curating Science and Technology) and one elective module of their choice from the department module catalogue. They also start working on their final project which they submit at the end of the academic year.

Year 1-Term 1: students take one theoretical module (Science Communication in a Global Perspective) and one practical module (Practical Science Writing or Practical Science Broadcasting).

Year 1-Term 2: students take one theoretical module (Science Communication and Social Justice), one practical module (Digital Media Skills for Science Communication) and one specialist option (Science Journalism, Science and the Publishing Industry or Curating Science and Technology).

Year 2-Term 1: students take one theoretical module (Engaging the Public with Science) and one practical module (Practical Science Writing or Practical Science Broadcasting).

Year 2-Term 2: students take one elective module of their choice from the department module catalogue. They also start working on their final project which they submit at the end of the academic year.
 

Compulsory modules









Optional modules





Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Science Communication. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Science Communication. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Science Communication.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £15,100 £7,550
Tuition fees (2024/25) £31,100 £15,550

Additional costs

There are no programme-specific costs.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

Applicants whose qualifications are of a lower standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background and experience in such fields as education, media and communication.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Science and Technology Studies
Science and Technology Studies

sts-msc-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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