MSc Science and Health Communication

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment. Please note we can only accept part time applications from international students if they do not require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

Some sources of funding are available. For current possibilities, please see the funding page on the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine website. Please note that funding application deadlines are usually significantly earlier than the course application deadline.

We require an Upper Second honours degree from a UK university or overseas equivalent in:

• science or health care;
• social sciences;
• policy studies;
• media studies or communications;
• the arts.

This course is both an advanced study course for experienced practitioners, and a conversion route from other backgrounds. We may also consider applicants based on evidence of alternative study, research or professional experience that meets the University's requirements.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system.

We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ).

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

• IELTS : 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in every component

See further information about requirements for your country .

We may also accept evidence of a confirmed place on a University Pre-sessional English language course, if your current IELTS scores are:

• 6.0 overall with minimum 6.0 in 3 sub-skills and 5.5 in no more than 1 sub-skill, on the 10-week pre-sessional course (PS10).
• 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each sub-skill, plus enrolment and attendance on the 6-week pre-sessional course (PS6).

Please note, we must approve this before you apply for the English course. If you wish to be considered for a pre-sessional course please contact the admissions team pgtaughtmedicine@manchester.ac.uk

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

You should be able to demonstrate relevant work experience in your chosen pathway.

Applicants may be interviewed as part of the selection process. We may ask to see a sample of written work, in a relevant area, as a basis for interview discussion. Interviews will be held face to face if possible. Otherwise, and normally for applicants based outside the UK, we will interview online or by telephone.

CAS Information

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.

For CAS purposes, you will be asked to upload a copy of your current valid passport showing the photograph page. This must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.

You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course, the Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.

Your CAS number is only valid for one Tier 4 application.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

The full-time version of the course runs for 12 months from September. There is also a part-time alternative that runs for two years. Part-time study involves a limited number of days' attendance per week and can be combined with employment.

All students take three course units consisting of weekly lectures and discussion seminars:

• Introduction to Science Communication (30 credits)
• Communicating Ideas in Science, Technology and Medicine (15 credits)
• Introduction to Contemporary Science and Medicine (15 credits)

All students also attend a series of specialised courses focusing on science and health communication practice and science policy, with sessions led by invited contributors including journalists, media creators and producers, museum professionals, policy analysts, outreach officers and other relevant experts. You will choose two of the following four units to specialise in for assessed work (although you can sit in on all these units):

• Science, Media and Journalism (15 credits)
• Museums, Science Centres and Public Events (15 credits) 
• Science, Government and Public Policy (15 credits)
• Health Communication (15 credits)

Our course teaches the current trends in science communication, so details of our units may vary from year to year to stay up to date. This type of change is covered within the University's disclaimer , but if you are in doubt about a unit of interest, please contact us before accepting your offer of a place. 

The course is completed by two more open-ended elements allowing you to specialise towards your preferred interests.

The practical project (30 credits), completed in Semester 2, involves working with support from a science or health communication professional on developing and analysing an activity close to professional practice, or undertaking a creative project.

Finally, you will write a dissertation (60 credits) over the summer (June-Sept). This is an original piece of research on a science or health communication topic based on your independent investigation. We encourage you to explore your individual interests in your dissertation and you will be assigned an academic supervisor to guide you in your research.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk