Science Communication
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Science Communication

Prepare for a range of science communication careers through academic and practical experience.

Prepare for a range of science communication careers through academic and practical experience – from journalism to policy

Develop your technical skills in our in-house TV and radio facilities

Gain industry insights on a work placement with a media company or science communication organisation

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year, 2 years

  • Start date

    September 2024

  • Study mode

    Full-time, Part-time

  • Fees

    • Full-time: £12,600
      Part-time: £6,300 per year Home

    • Full-time: £28,600
      Part-time: £14,300 per year Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in a scientific or science-related subject

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Develop an informed, critical and creative approach to communicating science to professional media standards on this Master's course.

You'll study a combination of academic and practical modules in order to prepare you for a range of careers in science communication.

This course will further your critical understanding of communicating scientific ideas to the public.

You'll also advance your technical and conceptual skills by working in a range of media, and gain direct industry experience on a work placement or internship.

A significant component of the course will be an academic dissertation, where you'll apply your knowledge from the course to an element of investigative work.

If you wish to focus solely on broadcast media and filmmaking, we also offer an MSc in Science Media Production.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all core modules.

Core modules

You’ll choose three optional academic modules. Please note, exact modules may vary from year to year.

Optional modules

You'll carry out an attachment or internship with a science communication organisation, typically lasting three or four weeks.

This will enable you to gain experience of the real world of science communication and put in practice the knowledge gained on the course.

You’ll benefit from the supervision and guidance of professional science communicators and widen your range of contacts both in the media industry and in the world of science communication.

You’ll undertake a substantial piece of academic research that engages critically with the relevant scholarly literature and involves some element of investigative work.

The research must be written up in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Supervised workshops
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • Online reading
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Individual research project
    Supervised projects
  • Supervised work placements

Assessment methods

  • Essays
  • Practical coursework projects and group projects
  • Dissertation

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Tuition fees

Home fee

Full-time

£12,600

Part-time

£6,300 per year

Overseas fee

Full-time

£28,600

Part-time

£14,300per year

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Consultant with a speech bubble

Develop the skills needed to pursue a diverse range of careers in science communication.

Person surrounded by small images of other people

During your time with the Science Communication Unit, you'll work alongside industry leaders and network with science communication experts

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Person holding a briefcase climbing steps

Graduates are prepared for careers in journalism, public engagement, and press relations.

Column museum

Other potential career paths include science policy, broadcasting, digital campaigning, museums and academia.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications