About the MSc

Are you passionate about the dialogue between science and the public? Are you curious about how scientific knowledge is created and consumed in the past, present and future?

Science touches every part of life in today's global society. Scientific change in disciplines ranging from biological and physical sciences to engineering and medicine feels like it has never been so rapid. It is increasingly important that developments in science, medicine and technology are effectively communicated so as to allow individuals to have an informed opinion on controversial issues.

The Kent MSc in Science, Communication and Society gives experienced, practical, professional and critical perspectives on science communication. How do journalists, documentary makers, lobbyists, museum curators, politicians and government research bodies enter into scientific dialogue with the public? What strategies do they use to ensure that their messages are tailored to particular audiences? Do they succeed in communicating and listening? And what lessons can be learned from scientific practices throughout history, and the ways in which they were conveyed to and interpreted by the public?
The course will contain input from professional science communicators, debates on contemporary and historical scientific developments, alongside innovative and practically-based assessment. The aim is to give a broad and informed knowledge base concerning the challenges of communication science to the public, and to train students in transferable skills pivotal to communicating science across a range of professional settings.
The programme has been developed by award-winning academics at the University of Kent and is offered on a full-time and part-time basis. It is intended primarily, though not exclusively, for the following:

• Science graduates intending to pursue a career in media, education, policy or other communicational area of science
• Humanities graduates with an interest in history of science, technology or medicine
• Practising scientists wanting a career change into media, education, policy or other communicational area of science
• Continuing professional development for scientists or teachers of science

More information about admission requirements and our flexible modes of learning can be found here.
For general information about the University of Kent and the beautiful Canterbury campus, please refer to the University prospectus. For further information relating to the programme, please contact us