Science and Health Communication

Entry requirements

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.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Science and Health Communication course is ideal if you are interested in science, technology, medicine, health care, mathematics or engineering and want to work in the field of science and health communication.

You will develop the skills required to work in a range of sectors, including science and health-related media, public policy around science and health; engagement, outreach, and PPIE; science and health institutions; cultural institutions; the charity sector; and other related fields.

Developed by the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine and Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, the course features masterclasses and project support from leading professionals in a wide range of sectors, together with experienced science and health communication professionals from across the University.

You will spend time building up practical communication skills, and thinking about the broad range of challenges that science communicators face. Does science communication matter for society? Whose interests are furthered by science news? What are the ethical issues in the communication of health research? When we talk about public engagement, what kind of public do we mean?

You will consider these and other questions through insights drawn from history, innovation and policy research, media studies, and the first-hand experience of long-serving communicators, and link these to practical skills.