MSc in Science and Health Communication

at University of Manchester

Course unit details

The full-time version of the course runs for 12 months from September. There is also a part-time alternative, covering half the same classes each semester over two years. Part-time study involves a limited number of days' attendance per week and can be combined with employment.
 

All students take three course units consisting of weekly lectures and discussion seminars:

• Introduction to Science Communication (30 credits)
• Communicating Ideas in Science, Technology and Medicine (15 credits)
• Introduction to Contemporary Science and Medicine (15 credits)
   

All students also attend a series of specialised courses focusing on science and health communication practice and science policy, with sessions led by invited contributors including journalists, documentary filmmakers, museum professionals, policy analysts, outreach officers and other relevant experts. You will choose two of the following four units to specialise in for assessed work (although you can sit in on all these units):
 

• Science, Media and Journalism (15 credits)
• Museums, Science Centres and Public Events (15 credits)
• Science, Government and Public Policy (15 credits)
• Health Communication (15 credits)
   

The course is completed by two more open-ended elements allowing you to specialise towards your preferred interests.
 

The mentored project (30 credits), completed in Semester 2, involves working with support from a science or health communication professional on developing and analysing an activity close to professional practice. Alternatively, you can undertake a creative media project of your own design.
 

Our course teaches the current trends in science communication, so details of our units may vary from year to year to stay up to date. This type of change is covered within the University's disclaimer , but if you are in doubt about a unit of interest, please contact us before accepting your offer of a place.
 

The science/health communication research project (60 credits) gives more scope for independent investigation and includes new research on a particular topic in science and/or health communication.
 

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Introduction to Contemporary Science and Medicine
• Science Communication Research Project
• Introduction to Science Communication
• Communicating ideas in STM
• Science Communication Mentored Project
• Health Communication
• Museums, Science Centres and Public Events
• Science, Government & Public Policy
• Science, Media and Journalism

Academic entry qualification overview
 

We require an Upper Second honours degree from a UK university or overseas equivalent in:

• science or health care;

• social sciences;

• policy studies;

• media studies or communications;

• the arts.
   

This course is both an advanced study course for experienced practitioners, and a conversion route from other backgrounds. We may also consider applicants based on evidence of alternative study, research or professional experience that meets the University's requirements.
 

English language
 

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system.
 

We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ).
 

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

• IELTS : 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in every component

• TOEFL: 90 internet-based (with a minimum of 22 in every component)

• MSc (full-time)
  
  UK students (per annum): £11,000
  
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £23,500

This course can open up careers in a wide range of sectors, including journalism, science policy, documentary filmmaking, medical, environmental and other related campaigning and advocacy. You may also enter careers in public relations in the public and private sectors or work in museums and science centres, at science festivals, or in other public engagement fields.
 

Our MSc also provides an appropriate grounding for PhD-level research in science communication studies.
 

Previous graduates have gone on to a wide range of relevant posts, including:

• Research Communications Officer, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain
• Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Energy and Climate Change
• Assistant Curator of Technology and Engineering, Science Museum, London
• Technical Author, Calrec Audio
• Assistant Producer, Pioneer Productions (TV)
• Science and Policy Press Officer, Cancer Research UK (London)
• Communications Assistant, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
• Podcast Producer, Venturi Group
• Science Writer and Policy Researcher, Society of Chemical Industry
• Assistant Producer, Sandpaper Films
• Medical Writer, Ashfield Healthcare Communications
• EU Project Officer, University of Malta