Curriculum and modules
The Masters course takes place over one calendar year. You will take 120 credits (5 modules) of taught modules over two semesters. In the Summer semester you will undertake an independent research project (60 credits). The modules are detailed below:
Why Communicate Science? (15 Credits)The communication of science plays an increasingly important role in public life. People can only make informed decisions if they have access to pertinent and comprehensive information. In the case of science there are very important reasons to provide people this information that range from political support for funding to public and well-informed engagement with controversial issues. This module offers students the opportunity to reflect on why it is important to communicate scientific knowledge, to gain awareness on the best ways to achieve this and to understand the issues and ethical dilemmas that define the process of science communication in relation to the media. |
Communicating Science (45 Credits)This module will analyse the landscape of science communication. It will examine the relationship between scientists and journalists and the tools used by science and journalism professionals to communicate accurately and accessibly. It will explore why the communication of science sometimes fails, analysing examples of good and bad practice. It will address science communication for specialist and mainstream audiences, exploring the needs of different publication platforms, including the use of social media. |
Topical Science (30 Credits)What are the ‘hot’ topics in science? Why are these important? This module delivers a series of short lectures on important topics in contemporary science spanning the general areas of science in chemistry, physics and biology. The aim is the strengthen individuals all-round knowledge of these important areas of science, enhancing the other non-specialist areas of a science based graduate. At the same time students will learn how to use the many tools available to communicate science, including written work, web-based materials and broadcasting techniques. |
Develop Communication Skills (15 Credits)This group project works towards the planning, organisation and delivery of a science festival. The group will develop and use their communication skills to liaise and engage with the public and prepare the materials and resources required to stage an effective event. |
Communicating with the Media (15 Credits)This module will provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to communicate messages through the media. Case studies and practical workshops will allow students to learn about the practice of media communication. They will learn how the media operates and how to communicate messages through interviews, press conferences and news releases. Topics covered in the module will include the development of communication strategies, the understanding of news values and news cycles and strategies for successful and ethical communication. |
Dissertation (60 Credits)The dissertation exercise provides the student with a choice of three pathways to undertake a piece of scholarly research work in the area of Science Communication. These include critical analysis of the literature, developing experimental methods to test a hypothesis, or a practice based approach (which may include an optional work-placement). |
Teaching
Research in Science and Journalism informs our teaching and you'll have access to our purpose built Science Communication Lab fitted with live TV streams and computers.
You will be taught using a range of methods:
Lectures, Tutorials, Seminars, Group work, Masterclasses, Project work, Placements.
Assessment
Coursework, Essays, Portfolio, Practical exercises, Dissertation.