Degree Information:

The programme explores social issues in science and technology, and the communications and controversies surrounding them. It will ensure that you have a good grasp of the social significance of science and you are capable of reflecting critically on the place of science and technology in society.

This M.Sc. caters for students with diverse backgrounds in the natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities. By bringing these students together, the programme stimulates interaction, encouraging the different groups to reflect more fully on the contribution that the others make to the development of the total cultural fabric.

Although not primarily concerned with training in technical communications, the programme does include some practically oriented modules.

School of Communications is pleased to announce a deadline extension for application to bursary awards for two of its programmes, MA in Film and Television and the MSc in Science Communication. One applicant to each programme will receive an award of €2000 based on the quality of the applicant's achievements and their personal statement, or 'statement of intent'.

This statement is part of the standard application process through the Postgraduate Applications Centre, a one-page rationale for why they want to do the particular course. The bursary competition is open to all applicants otherwise eligible for each masters' degree programme. Applications must be in by 5pm on August 20th 2012.

Aims and Objectives:

• To develop your understanding of the many different interactions between institutions of science and those of broader society.
• To deepen your ability to analyse critically the strategies applied to communicating science in diverse social contexts.
• To strengthen your capacity to participate in the public communication of complex information on science, environment, technology and medicine.

Programme Structure:

Full-time students attend lectures and coursework two to three days a week, depending on the options taken, for an academic year. Lectures and seminars take place in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate students who are working. The work placement (INTRA) and dissertation are completed in the summer period, May to September.

Part-time students attend for one to two days a week and they complete their dissertation in Year 2.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• This programme is unique in Ireland and a pioneer in Europe.
• It is interdisciplinary and innovative in its content and delivery.
• It is internationally recognised as a sigificant contributor to a growing discipline.
• The M.Sc. is well-established, with 15 years' experience.
• Supported by strong research activity in collaborative and individual projects.

Career Prospects:

Graduates of this programme have found employment in science public relations and information services, science journalism, science broadcasting, science teaching, science demonstration and display, science publishing, web editing for science institutions and educational software authoring.

Independent research has been carried out by Brian Trench, founder and former chair of the MSc in Science Communication. The results of this survey are available to download. Results of survey of graduates of MSc in Science Communication (pdf)

Entry Requirements:

The programme is suitable for recent graduates and for those with professional experience in science or communications.

To be eligible, candidates are required to have a second class or better honours degree. Consideration is also given to candidates who have lesser qualifications but significant and appropriate professional experience. Applicants are asked to submit an article on a science-related topic of 750 words, written for a general-interest publication. Selection is done on the basis of the formal application, the submitted article and the candidate's statement of motivation. Candidates may be called for interview which mainly serves the purpose of clarifying for the applicants and for the academic staff on the programme that the prospective students have a clear sense of what may lie ahead.

Assessment by Interview
Candidates should note that an interview is part of the selection process for this programme. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be available for interview. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be able to book their interview through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) website (www.pac.ie/dcu). Interview slots will be allocated on a first come first served basis. It is not possible to accommodate other interview dates.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2012

EU Applicants

Applications are invited up to 31st August 2012. Applications received or completed after 31st August will be considered if further places remain on the programme. They will be decided on in the order they are received until all places are taken, or up to 31st August, whichever is earlier. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.

Non-EU Applicants

Applications are invited up to 15th July 2012. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
To apply for the full-time programme use the PAC code DC606. To apply for the part-time programme use the PAC code DC607.

Queries on completed applications to be emailed to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)