Who is the course designed for?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Practical Science Communication is designed to support and develop the skills of scientists and other technical professionals who wish to communicate effectively with the wider public, as well as with other organisations within their community such as funders, learned societies, investors and businesses.
Aims of the programme
The programme aims to develop individual science communicators able to adopt an informed, adaptive, discipline relevant and critically reflective approach to the practical delivery of science communication.
The course will:
- Provide professionally relevant teaching and learning in the theory, knowledge and skills that underpin, and are at the forefront of, science communication and engagement.
- Develop and create skilled science communicators with the necessary expertise and understanding to engage in and deliver well-informed high-quality science communication activities appropriate to the needs of their discipline and their audience.
- Promote a comprehensive understanding of the practical and ethical considerations relevant to science communication.
- Provide students with the theoretical knowledge and the practical opportunity to apply their learning in a work-relevant and practical manner through the design, delivery and evaluation of a specific science communication or engagement activity.
Teaching and learning
The course is delivered using a variety of learning styles, combining interactive face-to-face learning with online delivery. Seminars, practical demonstrations, workshops, problem-based learning and small group working will be delivered and facilitated by experts in the field of science-related communication and engagement. Learning on this programme is highly experiential, recognising both the practical nature and application of science communication, and that students learn from both what is taught and how it is being taught.
Online resources, provided through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), draw on specific science communication topics, case studies, and relevant and appropriate additional resources. Understanding of academic theory and its practical application is facilitated through discussions and critical appraisals with peers and with tutors.
The Postgraduate Certificate takes one year and comprises three modules. Across the year there are 13 face-to-face taught study days, as well as on-line activity, independent study and assignments.
Please note that dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
Unit 1: The fundamentals of practical science communication: 18 - 20 October 2023
The course will begin with an in-depth introduction to the academic background to science communication and effective engagement. Using case studies and topical examples, it will cover areas such as: why we communicate science, and whose interests are being furthered; understanding and engaging audiences; identifying what to communicate and how best to do this; the role and practices of the mass media; the ethics of science communication; and the importance and techniques of effective evaluation. Students will gain a broad perspective on science communication as well as critical insights into the processes, suitability and effectiveness of a range of communication and engagement strategies.
As students learn to think critically about science communication, and begin to apply this learning to their own work, they will compile a portfolio that acts as both a personal learning resource, and a record of achievement. This portfolio will be assessed as part of the programme overall.
Unit 2: The art of practical science communication: 11 - 12 January, 1 - 2 February and 7 - 8 March 2024
This second module considers specific media and explores their potential and constraints. Students will learn from expert practitioners about a wide range of communication and engagement techniques including writing, social media, visual media and broadcasting. Students will develop a detailed and in-depth understanding of the strengths, pitfalls and relevance of the media they study for achieving particular communication outcomes.
Unit 3: Designing and delivering practical science communication: 22 April, 6 May, 3 June and 17 June 2024
By this stage of the course, students are ready to tackle the practical challenges of module 3. Focusing on their preferred topics and media, students will propose, deliver and evaluate a science communication product or event, considering not only its content and audience, but also the broader context of implementation, including funding and financial planning, risk assessment, competition from other agencies and events, publicity, regulation (for example, when working with vulnerable people) and local policy (such as enhancing diversity).
Please note that dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
Course Director
Dr Jane Gregory developed science communication courses for Imperial College in the early 1990s, and since then has set up and taught UG and PG courses at Birkbeck, UCL (where she was appointed Reader in Science and Technology Studies) and, most recently, Manchester University. She has published on the role of public science communication in the development of scientific ideas, and on the global political and economic contexts for science communication. Jane has also worked as a book editor in science publishing, and for seven years developed exhibition texts and gallery guides for the Science Museum, London.
