Science Communication

This course prepares students for a wide range of professional science communication careers in print, broadcast and new media journalism, science policy, public relations, and exhibition and design work. It is both academic and practical, and fosters skills of intellectual analysis and independent investigation.

Through both academic and practical courses we encourage you to develop your creative and imaginative abilities, and to produce ideas and undertake work that will communicate science, technology and medicine in fresh and more effective ways.

The course develops skills in technical practice in several communication areas through a programme of practical options.

Practical modules benefit from our TV and radio facilities and we are fortunate to be close to the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, which provide excellent material for museum studies work.

Due to our central London location we have unrivalled access to many media and science organisations as well as to many cultural events and workshops. This makes it easy for you to build a network of contacts.

You can also attend talks and seminars on a wide range of scientific and technical topics in the various academic departments at Imperial, and benefit from direct access to a large number of leading science and engineering research teams and individuals on campus.

The majority of the teaching is by Science Communication group staff but we also benefit from the expertise of industry professionals for some sessions.

MODULES

Core academic modules

• Science and its social contexts
• Media representation of science

Core practical modules

• Interviewing and reporting
• News and feature writing
• Creative group project

Academic options

In term two, you can choose from three academic options:

• Documentary film
• Ethics
• International science policy
• Narrative
• Science and display
• Sound, sign, meaning in radio

Practical options

In term three, you can choose from two practical options which include:

• Exhibitions
• Website design
• Print
• Radio
• Television

Please note: the programme is substantially the same from year to year but exact modules may vary.

DISSERTATION

In term three, you will undertake a substantial piece of academic research which engages critically with the relevant scholarly literature and which involves some element of investigative work.

The research is written up as a 10,000-word dissertation.

WORK PLACEMENT

A four to six-week attachment or internship with a science communication organisation will enable you to gain experience of the real world of science communication, and to put into practice and develop skills and knowledge gained on the course.

You will benefit from the supervision and guidance of professional science communicators and will be able to widen your range of contacts both in the media industry and in the world of science.

Candidates normally require a good Honours degree in a scientific or science-related subject from a UK or equivalent overseas university or college of higher education.

If your first degree is from a country other than the UK, you may find the guidelines within our Country Index helpful. Please note that these guidelines indicate the College minimum.

You must also be able to demonstrate your potential as a science communicator as judged by completion of an aptitude assignment.

Candidates with other qualifications may be considered if you can demonstrate relevant experience or aptitude.

Additional postgraduate experience, not necessarily in science or technology, is a great help for anyone contemplating a career in science communication.

English language requirement: IELTS minimum overall score 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each element.