MSc Science and Health Communication

The MSc Science and Health Communication program at the University of Manchester is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of how to effectively communicate scientific and health-related topics to diverse audiences. This program focuses on developing the skills necessary for a career in science and health communication, whether it be for public health organizations, research institutions, the media, or non-profit organizations. Students will explore the complexities of conveying scientific and health information to the public, media, and policymakers while developing key competencies in writing, editing, digital communication, and public relations.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Science and Health Communication is structured to combine theoretical learning with practical skills development. Core modules cover topics such as health communication strategies, science communication theory, and ethics in health and science media. The program also emphasizes practical skills, including writing for diverse audiences, public relations techniques, digital media strategies, and crisis communication. Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, developing communication campaigns and strategies, which are then critiqued by industry professionals. The program includes modules that focus on research and writing skills, along with optional electives that allow students to explore specific interests in science or health communication.

Research Focus: The MSc Science and Health Communication program is research-focused, providing students with the opportunity to explore contemporary issues in science and health communication through the lens of critical theory and empirical research. Students will engage in research projects that allow them to examine topics such as media representations of science and health, the role of public health campaigns, and the use of social media in health communication. Additionally, students will be encouraged to develop their research methodologies, ensuring that they can both critique existing work in the field and conduct original research that contributes to the field of science and health communication.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key feature of the MSc Science and Health Communication program. Students will have the opportunity to connect with professionals from the media, public health organizations, government agencies, and healthcare sectors. The program includes guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with leading experts in the field, allowing students to gain valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges in science and health communication. Students will also have the opportunity to work on live projects or internships, gaining hands-on experience in crafting communication campaigns, producing content, and developing media strategies that communicate complex scientific and health topics to a wide range of audiences.

Global Perspective: The MSc Science and Health Communication program at the University of Manchester is designed with a global perspective, acknowledging that science and health communication is increasingly a global issue. Students will engage with international case studies, exploring the role of science communication in various cultural and political contexts. The program also encourages students to consider how global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and emerging health threats, influence science communication strategies. Students will gain the skills to work in an increasingly interconnected world, where communication needs to be culturally sensitive, accessible, and effective across diverse communities.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application fee: £60

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.

Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.

Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.

Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.

Graduates of the MSc Science and Health Communication program at the University of Manchester have a wide range of career opportunities available to them due to the program’s strong focus on practical skills, theory, and industry engagement. With the increasing importance of effective communication in science and health sectors, the program prepares students to pursue roles in various industries, including healthcare, media, public health, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations. 

Health Communication Specialist: Graduates can work as health communication specialists, developing and implementing communication strategies to improve public health outcomes. This can include working for public health organizations, government agencies, or non-profit groups, creating campaigns to promote healthy behaviors or raise awareness about important health issues.

Science Writer/Journalist: Many graduates choose careers as science writers or journalists, where they create content for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. In this role, graduates are tasked with translating complex scientific research into accessible language for a broad audience, bridging the gap between scientists and the public.

Public Relations Officer (Health and Science): Public relations (PR) specialists in health and science manage the media image of organizations, researchers, or public health campaigns. Graduates can work as PR officers in healthcare organizations, government bodies, or scientific institutions, managing press releases, media inquiries, and promoting research findings.

Health Promotion Officer: Graduates may work as health promotion officers, planning and executing campaigns aimed at improving public health awareness. These roles typically involve collaborating with healthcare professionals, developing educational materials, and running public outreach programs to address specific health concerns.

Digital Content Creator: With the rise of digital media, graduates can become content creators, working with websites, blogs, and social media platforms to produce engaging and informative content on health and science topics. These roles often involve creating written articles, videos, and infographics to make scientific information accessible to online audiences.

Medical Communications Specialist: Graduates may also pursue careers as medical communications specialists, where they work for pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or research organizations to communicate clinical trials, drug development processes, or medical research findings to various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and the public.

Public Health Campaign Coordinator: This role involves planning and executing large-scale public health campaigns aimed at addressing pressing health challenges, such as vaccination programs, disease prevention, or health promotion. Graduates can work with public health agencies, local governments, or international organizations to design effective communication strategies that reach diverse communities.

Policy Advisor: Some graduates pursue careers as policy advisors, providing communication strategies to support evidence-based policies related to public health and science. These roles typically involve working with governmental organizations, think tanks, and international health agencies to help shape public policy through clear and effective communication.

Healthcare Marketing Specialist: Graduates may also choose to work in the healthcare marketing sector, developing marketing campaigns that promote healthcare services, products, or institutions. These professionals are skilled in crafting compelling messages that resonate with patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry.

Researcher/Academic: For those with an interest in furthering their academic careers, graduates can also pursue research roles in science communication or health communication. This can involve conducting studies that examine how science and health messages are received by the public, the effectiveness of communication strategies, and emerging trends in digital health communication.