MSc Science Communication for a Better Planet

Overview

The global climate and biodiversity crises, the recent pandemic, declared aspirations for reaching net zero, and growing attempts to restore and rewild, all mean that science is at the centre of politics, policy, economics and societal behaviour. However misinformation, scepticism and misunderstanding are commonplace. This programme provides training in many forms of science communication, from working with schools, engaging with the media and briefing politicians to public engagement, event organisation and natural history filmmaking.

Programme structure

Six mandatory taught units (20 credits each):

Communicating Data

Tracking science from source to sink and social media campaigns
Misuse/miscommunication of data and podcasts/vlogs
Creative communications and infographics

Global Change Biology

Crisis, uncertainty, despair and celebrating unsung heroes
Action, evidence, innovation and communicating uncertainty
Hope, futures, solutions and scaling up

Ecology for a Brighter Future

Understanding stakeholder perspectives and debating and giving expert witness
Delivering science into politics and policy and briefing MPs on ecological issues
Building local biodiversity and engaging public with virtual technology

Animal Behaviour

Primary research to landmark films and producing a natural history film
Explaining complex behavioural ecology and storytelling to enrich understanding
Studying behaviour in film and audio and working with the film industry

Science in Society

Communicating through the media and writing press releases and news items
Public engagement in science and public trust in science
Design and delivery of school event and engaging underrepresented groups

Resilient Communicator

Individuals, teams and leadership and building life skills toolkit
Eco-anxiety, eco-grief and wellbeing - hope, resilience & action
Creative Communication and art and music in engaging communications

Final mandatory project (60 credits):

Science Communication Project

Project planning phase - background research, pitch to commissioners
Project delivery phase - blog/vlog report, reflective assessment
Project report - final presentation

Entry requirements

A strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) or international equivalent in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology or Natural Sciences.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Admissions Statement

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

Go to admissions statement

English language requirements

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: £12,400 per year
UK: part-time (two years): £6,200 per year
Overseas: full-time: £27,400 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 2023/24

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.

How to apply

Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.

Application deadline

Due to high demand we will be closing MSc Science Communication for a Better Planet to applicants from the UK on 10 May 2023 and to remaining applicants from outside of the UK on 31 July 2023.

Please find out more information by reading our guidance for when to apply.

Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from October 2022 until all places are filled. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment.

Apply now