Overview

Global climate and biodiversity crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, net zero emissions targets, and moves to restore and rewild the environment have put scientific evidence at the very centre of policymaking, economics and social behaviour.   

Collaboration towards a better future for our planet depends on political engagement and understanding, public trust and scientific literacy, and robust challenges to fake news and misuse of data. Science communication has never had a more important role to play in empowering people to become agents of positive change at this critical time. 

This programme will train you up in a wide range of science communication techniques, including:

  • natural history filmmaking
  • radio broadcast
  • podcast creation
  • social media content creation
  • print journalism
  • working with schools in outreach programmes
  • briefing politicians
  • event organisation.
Units will be delivered by world-leading experts across the biological sciences and communications fields, all who are passionate about their research areas and the power of scientific communication. You will also work with professional communicators and life coaches to build personal resilience and develop skills in teamwork, empathy, listening, widening participation and peer review. 
 
You will build your own portfolio of communication outputs throughout the year, so you’ll finish with a suite of examples of your work for future employers. You will be supported to gain work experience and professional mentoring, including through your four-month final project, which can be in Bristol, London, the rest of the UK or overseas, and will be tailored to your career aspirations. 
 
This programme is delivered by the School of Biological Sciences, so you will be based in the stunning Life Sciences Building, which is designed as a green, collaborative space for enhanced learning, including a dedicated science media suite. The school is located right in the middle of the university campus in the beautiful Clifton area, so you are a few minutes from central Bristol. The city, known as ‘Green Hollywood’ with the natural history filmmaking ecosystem centred around the BBC, is also a life sciences and tech innovation hub for the south-west of the UK, providing many exciting employment opportunities.

 

Programme structure

The programme consists of six mandatory taught units (20 credits each) and a final mandatory project (60 credits).

Please visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet.

Entry requirements

A strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) or international equivalent in Biological or Natural Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Marine/Freshwater/Aquatic Biology, Science or Zoology, Biosciences, Animal Behaviour, Global Change Biology, Conservation Biology and Ecology, Ecology and Conservation or Ecological and Environmental Sciences.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£13,400 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£6,700 per year
Overseas: full-time
£29,600 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

You will build your own exciting portfolio of creative science communication outputs, including press releases, social media campaigns, briefing documents, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, films, feature articles, physical and virtual events. You will also undertake an extended project working in a professional context according to your career aspirations (for example placement, internship, or expedition). You will graduate with unique skillsets, making you highly employable in many sectors, including science, journalism, filmmaking, publishing, policy, teaching, wellbeing and event management.

Contact us