Tabby
MSc Science Media Production
Learning from tutors with successful industry experience along with placement opportunities made Imperial feel like the perfect launchpad for my future career.
Tabby
MSc Science Media Production
Learning from tutors with successful industry experience along with placement opportunities made Imperial feel like the perfect launchpad for my future career.
From crafting art out of bread dough in lockdown to studying psychology and debating between science and creativity, Tabby’s journey to Imperial wasn’t straightforward. After discovering an interest in science communication, Imperial’s MSc in Science Media Production course stood out for its unique blend of science and creativity and opportunities for hands-on experiences from day one. Tabby from the UK shares how she navigated imposter syndrome, made the most of London life and found clarity in her career path – all at Imperial.
Before Imperial
After completing my A-levels, I was uncertain about whether to pursue art or science, so I decided to do an art foundation course to help me decide. This happened during lockdown, so I had to get creative with whatever materials I could find at home. Picture me trying to make something meaningful out of toilet roll tubes and bread dough. Despite the unusual circumstances, it turned out to be a valuable experience, both creatively and personally.
As the next step in figuring out my career path, I decided to follow my interest in human behaviour and pursue a BSc in Psychology at Loughborough University. There, I had the opportunity to get involved in primary research, working with participants living with dementia to explore how eye movements and exercise might help reduce symptoms. I loved the research side of things, but I kept coming back to the conversations I had with participants, many of whom just wanted to see the impact they were having. This is what motivated my interest in science communication.
With that in mind, I began looking into relevant courses and came across the MSc in Science Media Production at Imperial. I fell in love with the idea of a course which allowed me to combine the scientific knowledge I had developed with the creativity that had taken a back seat during my degree.
With serious imposter syndrome, I didn’t feel confident that I would get an offer, but I took the leap and applied and now I’m here!
Applying to Imperial
I fell in love with the idea of a course which allowed me to combine the scientific knowledge I had developed with the creativity that had taken a back seat during my degree.
When looking at Master’s programmes in science communication, Imperial immediately stood out not just for its global reputation, but because the course offered a unique blend of science and media taught in a highly practical way. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to develop hands-on camera and audio skills, especially given how important central audio and visual media are nowadays to information sharing. Learning from tutors with successful industry experience along with a built-in placement made it feel like the perfect launchpad for my future career.
I also attended an online open day before applying, where I could see the enthusiasm the students had for the course and the opportunities it was opening up for them. As people joined the online session, short radio pieces created by current students were playing which offered examples of the kind of work we could expect to produce.
I also genuinely enjoyed applying to the course (I know, you’re probably thinking you’ve misread that!) because of the aptitude assignment, which involved pitching a one-off documentary idea. It was a refreshing change from typical application exercises and highlighted that the focus of the course would be on creativity and originality, which aligned with what I was looking for in a course.
Creating content during one of Imperial's postgraduate graduations in the Royal Albert Hall
Creating content during one of Imperial's postgraduate graduations in the Royal Albert Hall
The MSc Science Media Production course
One of the course’s greatest strengths is how hands-on it is. Within weeks, we were live on Imperial’s radio station with a show called Science at One, having planned content, written scripts and launched into broadcasting. It was adrenaline-fuelled and we all came away surprised at what we could pull off. I picked up skills in presenting, audio mixing and the challenge of communicating with other presenters while on air.
Don’t get me wrong, there is essay writing too, but this has also been incredibly valuable. For example, one written assignment involved analysing a documentary of our choice. I chose The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter (highly recommend!) which opened my eyes to the manipulation of propaganda and the lived experiences of women during World War II. So, not only have I been learning about documentary techniques, but I’ve also broadened my knowledge through engaging with a wide range of documentaries and films.
A real highlight has been the month-long industry placement between the second and third terms. I had the opportunity to join the BBC Radio Science Unit, where I researched and pitched stories, edited interviews with contributors and got to witness how effective science communication is produced in a professional setting – I’m still pinching myself that I was able to have this experience!
The Imperial community
Since starting at Imperial, I’ve met so many great people. My course is small with just 12 of us, so we’ve all become really good friends. There’s also the Science Communication course, which has a few more students and since we share lots of modules, I’ve had the chance to connect with other students there too.
Outside of the course, there are lots of societies to join. During the welcome fair, I signed up for the yoga society and art club which are great ways to de-stress. Although perhaps it wasn’t so great for the person I met at the art class, who had confused still life with life drawing and found themselves facing a naked model instead of apples and grapes - they did seem quite alarmed.
In my time here, I’ve had loads of chances to get involved in extracurricular activities and part-time roles. So far, I’ve tutored A-level psychology to sixth form students, appeared (very briefly) on a BBC Breakfast segment, volunteered as part of the film crew at a festival, created social media content for Imperial’s Instagram and TikTok and helped run activities at events hosted by the Royal Institution. I owe all this to keeping a close eye on my emails and applying for everything I could, which is probably my best piece of advice!
When science meets communication
Join Tabby as she talks about some of the hands-on projects she's had the opportunity to work on as part of her Master’s in Science Media Production
When science meets communication
Join Tabby as she talks about some of the hands-on projects she's had the opportunity to work on as part of her Master’s in Science Media Production
Student life in London
There is always so much going on in London.
I moved to London to study at Imperial after previously studying in Loughborough and there’s definitely a big difference between the two. There is always so much going on in London.
I’m really into charity shopping and fashion, and all the best pop-ups and sample sales take place here. Theatre is something I’ve always been interested in, but I hadn’t been to many shows before moving here. Since then, I’ve had the chance to see some incredible performances. If you haven’t heard about the £10 theatre tickets, thanks to the partnership between the RSC and TikTok, definitely look it up – it’s a great way to enjoy theatre without breaking the bank.
Also, if you ever feel like the city’s just a bit too much – too many cars, too many buildings, too many people – I recently discovered Hampstead Heath swimming ponds which made me completely forget I was in the middle of a huge city.
Accommodation-wise, I chose to live in Shepherd’s Bush because it’s close to the South Kensington Campus (with a free shuttle bus going to and from White City Campus) and it’s such a lively area. My favourite local spot has to be Next Door Records, which is a coffee shop by day and a bar by night – it’s everything a student could ask for really!
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My experience at Imperial has been the most rewarding and fulfilling time I’ve had in education.
I wasn’t confident when applying but I’m so glad I took the leap because everything that followed was worth it. I’ve gained a wide range of transferable skills and finally know which career path I want to follow, giving me a sense of purpose and drive I have never felt before.
My experience at Imperial has been the most rewarding and fulfilling time I’ve had in education.
I wasn’t confident when applying but I’m so glad I took the leap because everything that followed was worth it. I’ve gained a wide range of transferable skills and finally know which career path I want to follow, giving me a sense of purpose and drive I have never felt before.
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