Master of Science Communication

The program explores social issues in science and technology, and the communications and controversies surrounding them. The program is designed for students with diverse backgrounds in the natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities. By bringing these students together, the course stimulates interaction. Through the programmme and in the dissertation in particular, students are encouraged to reflect critically on the place and performance of science in society, and on relations between the cultures of natural sciences and of humanities and social sciences.

University/Institution

Dublin City University

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Aims of the Study Program

This program aims to ensure that all participants, whether they come from natural sciences, humanities or social sciences, are informed about issues arising from developments in science. Students will gain an overall grasp of the social significance of science and be capable of reflecting critically on the place of science and technology in society. Students in this course develop the required skills to obtain a career in science media, marketing, policy, or specialist areas in communicating health, environment, IT or risk sector.

Topics/Content

The program involves the study of science in social contexts, examination of communication theory and instruction in journalism, presentations and demonstrations. Students acquire an understanding of the process of scientific research, and develop their ability to communicate the content of science and technology to diverse publics. The material covered in the program includes relations between science and society, communication models and theories, philosophical perspectives on science, media institutions, feature writing and science demonstration.

The study program focuses primarily on a theoretical approach in science communication. Although its does include training in technical communications and some practically oriented modules.

Curriculum

A mandatory element of the M.Sc. Science Communication is the co-operative education program „INTRA”. Students are required to complete one-month work placement in may at the end of their academic year, working for a company or institution engaged in the public communication of scientific or technical information. The students are capable of taking on specific projects, under appropriate supervision. They are required to complete a report on their placement, commenting on the communications strategies and practices of the institute or enterprise.

The program content consists of the following core modules:

• Science in the Media
• MSC Porject/Disseration
• Research Methods
• Science & Society
• INTRA Work Placement
• Issues in Science & Environmental Communications
• Philosophical Perspectives on Science
• Issues in Contemporary Science

Time to complete

This program is offered full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).

Target Group/Students

This MSc caters for students with diverse backgrounds in the natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities.

Further Information and contact details

Dr. Padraig Murpy
Assistant Professor in Communications at Dublin City University, Chair of the MSc in Science Communication program

School of Communications

GLA. C159

DCU Glasnevin Campus

Tel: +353 (01) 700 7703
padraig.murphy@dcu.ie

About the study program:

https://www.dcu.ie/communications/science-communication-postgraduate.shtml