Science Communication, Public Engagement and Informal Learning MScR

This MScR is a one-year programme.

Science communication, public engagement and informal learning research are increasingly important in today’s world of global challenges, wicked problems and fake news; all of which can be amplified and distorted by social media.

The MScR Science Communication, Public Engagement and Informal Learning provides a tailored opportunity for students who intend to pursue a PhD in Science Communication or for those who seek a more research-focused masters degree.

You will gain a critical understanding of contemporary science communication practices, global and local challenges and areas for research. You will complete formal, academic courses in research skills for science communication and complete a four-month dissertation which will enable you to conduct research in a science communication topic of your choice.

Please note that we do not have PhD places.

Teaching methods contain a blend of seminars with individual and small-group activities, together with workshop sessions.

Semester One

• Principles and Practice in Science Communication and Public Engagement
• Science, Society and the Media-existing course
• Global Challenges and Science Communication/Engagement Practices

Semesters Two and Three

• Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research Skills for Science Communication, Public Engagement and Informal Learning
• Qualitative Research Skills for Science Communication, Public Engagement and Informal Learning.
• Science Communication, Public Engagement, Informal Learning Dissertation

Semester dates

Our programme is full-time for twelve months, beginning in September and ending in August the following year. You are expected to be on campus from week one.

Successful MScR candidates graduate in November/December of the following year.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

The programme has been designed primarily for those students who wish to pursue a PhD following graduation with an MSc. However, there has been a significant rise in opportunities available for individuals with the specialist knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to pursue roles at the interface between research and the public.

These roles can be found in, for example:

• higher education institutions
• museums, science centres
• learned societies
• consultancies for democratic decision-making

Examples of specific roles include:

• engagement managers
• information and education officers
• policy and knowledge brokers

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a science-related subject.

We will also consider your application if you have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in another discipline.

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China (https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/postgraduate-entry/asia/china)

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 7 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money

  • taking out a loan

  • family support

• personal savings

• income from work

• employer sponsorship

• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding