Program Overview

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MSc Science Communication for a Better Planet

Overview

Global climate and biodiversity crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, net zero emissions targets, and moves to restore and rewild the environment have put scientific evidence at the very centre of policymaking, economics and social behaviour.

Collaboration towards a better future for our planet depends on political engagement and understanding, public trust and scientific literacy, and robust challenges to fake news and misuse of data. Science communication has never had a more important role to play in empowering people to become agents of positive change at this critical time.

This programme will train you up in a wide range of science communication techniques, including:

• natural history filmmaking
• radio broadcast
• podcast creation
• social media content creation
• print journalism
• working with schools in outreach programmes
• briefing politicians
• event organisation.

Units will be delivered by world-leading experts across the biological sciences and communications fields, all who are passionate about their research areas and the power of scientific communication. You will also work with professional communicators and life coaches to build personal resilience and develop skills in teamwork, empathy, listening, widening participation and peer review.

You will build your own portfolio of communication outputs throughout the year, so you’ll finish with a suite of examples of your work for future employers. You will be supported to gain work experience and professional mentoring, including through your four-month final project, which can be in Bristol, London, the rest of the UK or overseas, and will be tailored to your career aspirations.

This programme is delivered by the School of Biological Sciences, so you will be based in the stunning Life Sciences Building, which is designed as a green, collaborative space for enhanced learning, including a dedicated science media suite. The school is located right in the middle of the university campus in the beautiful Clifton area, so you are a few minutes from central Bristol. The city, known as ‘Green Hollywood’ with the natural history filmmaking ecosystem centred around the BBC, is also a life sciences and tech innovation hub for the south-west of the UK, providing many exciting employment opportunities.

Key Information

Programme Duration

• One year full-time
• Two years part-time

Start Date

• September 2025

Application Deadline

• Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
• Home applicants: 8 August 2025

Delivery Method

• On-Campus

Location

• Clifton

Awards Available

• MSc

Programme Structure

Please visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet.

World-Leading Research

• 5th: The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education)
• 94%: 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent

Entry Requirements

You will typically need a strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) or an international equivalent degree in any subject.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

• evidence of 12 months of significant, relevant work experience, such as science-based public engagement, TV and radio, journalism, conservation, science teaching, or science and nature policy
• a postgraduate qualification

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.

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

Home

• Full-time: £13,900 per year
• Part-time (two years): £6,950 per year

Overseas

• Full-time: £30,700 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.

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 and Scholarships

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.