MSc in Science and Health Communication, Dublin University
[This message has been cross-posted with permission of the author from the PCST Listserv - Admin., 2nd April 2018]
We are now taking applications for this course beginning September 2018 at DCU. For further information, contact Dr Padraig Murphy at: padraig.murphy@dcu.ie
If you are interested in a career in science media, education and public engagement, marketing, policy, or specialist areas in communicating health, environment, IT or risk, the MSc in Science & Health Communication is for you.
This programme explores social issues in science and technology and the possibilities for conflict that exist as well as communication solutions. It will ensure that you have a good grasp of the social significance of science, that you are capable of reflecting critically on the place of science, technology and media in society, and that you can apply excellent communication skills.
The new MSc in Science and Health Communication includes e-health governance, stakeholder engagement and management, policy drafting and data communication alongside existing topics on media skills and STEM communication.
Whether or not you have a background or experience in science, this course will provide you with the opportunities you need to pursue a future career in policy, communications, marketing or media in the broad areas of science and health.
Details of the course are provided below.
SEMESTER 1
CORE MODULES
Strategic Communication for STEM, Environment and Healthcare
Foundational module exploring the models and approaches to engaging various people in society with science and technology. Using several case studies and science communication literature, students will learn to strategise and apply various options from awareness campaigns and information transfer to citizen and stakeholder participation.
Research Methods
This module examines what it means to conduct research: including devising a research question, conducting a literature review, individual research methods (and how they might work together), in addition to academic writing skills.
MODULE OPTIONS (choose ONE)
Engagement Assessment and Decision-making
Students will critically explore engagement, assessment and decision-making in clinical practice. You will think and write critically about how you engage with people in undertaking both clinical and situational assessments. The module explores the nature of clinical and managerial engagement, assessment and decision-making within the context of collaborative and autonomous practice
The Moving Image
This module explores the development of movement in visual culture including televisual techniques, and aesthetic and dramatic representation. The module also covers practical skills such as vlogging and smartphone video production.
Understanding Social Media
Maps some of the most important social, political and cultural changes associated with the rise of social media. Students will explore issues relating to policy and regulation of social media and the internet more broadly as well as familiarising with critical approaches to social media communication and its implications on everyday life.
Social Media, Journalism & Democracy
Development and direction of social media, its impact on political, economic and social life and the implications for journalism and civic engagement. Students will set up their own strategic social media campaign.
SEMESTER 2
CORE MODULES
Science and Health in the Media
Roles and responsibilities in representing scientific and medical data to wider audiences through various media. Through examples, students look critically and analyse science in the media and the evolving relations between scientists, policymakers, creatives and journalists from theoretical, organisational, professional and cultural perspectives.
Data Communication
This module takes the student through the various ways increasingly complex technical data needs to be reviewed, assessed for accuracy and relevance, categorised and represented in different formats, from infographics to digital storytelling.
Project/Dissertation
Students will engage in an extensive examination of a topic in science and /or health communication, or produce a large-scale piece of creative or journalist work on science-based topics. The academic dissertation and the media production project both represent a substantial piece of independent work by students.
INTRA work placement
Practical employment placement in a company or agency that engages significantly in science, technology, health or medical communication. You will be required to take part in that work and to report on their contribution. If you are working part-time or on secondment, your current role, if aligning with the course objectives, may be utilised for this purpose.
MODULE OPTIONS (choose ONE)
Informatics in eHealth
This module will prepare health care professionals to actively contribute to the role of health informatics in eHealth. Adopting a solution focused approach to National and EU eHealth transformational programmes, students will critically review and report on the application of core competencies required to practice in an ICT enabled health and social care environment.
Media and Communication Skills
Learning and practice transferrable skills required to communicate technical information responsibly using writing, presentation and performance (creative and broadcast).
Gender and Sexuality in Digital Culture
Using theoretical frameworks taken from gender/sexuality studies as well as media studies, this module will explore a broad range of issues relating to gender, sex and sexuality as they are mediated online and in popular culture.
Media Audiences and Consumption
The importance of audience studies for media studies and for society, culture and politics are addressed. This aims to familiarise students with a broad range of theories and methods used in the study of film and television audiences in both a historical and contemporary context.
For further information or to apply contact: Dr Padraig Murphy at :
and visit
Dr. Padraig Murphy, Assistant Professor,
Programme Chair for MSc in Science & Health Communication,
School of Communications,
Dublin City University,
Dublin 9,
Ireland.
tel: +353 1 7007703
Facebook: MSc Science Communication, DCU
Twitter: @DCUScienceComm, @prentisv