MSc in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences - Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences and Science Communication and Society

Leiden University

The master's specialisation Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences and Science Communication & Society focuses on the interaction between science and society.

What does this master’s programme entail?

Increasingly, the general public wants to be and needs to be informed about scientific topics. At the same time, scientists need to show accountability to the general public about their research. In this specialisation you bridge the gap between experts and the public by combining high quality research in bio-pharmaceutical sciences with extensive training in science communication. After completion you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become science communicator with a strong bio-pharmaceutical science background, or a researcher with a communicating mindset.

Why study BPS and Science Communication and Society at Leiden University?

• The specialisation provides you with at least one full year of research training in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, followed by a year of courses, internships and research in the field om science communication.
• We offer you a research-oriented programme which spans the entire spectrum of Analytical BioSciences, Biopharmaceutics, Drug Delivery Technology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology.
• You will get hands-on experience during a science communication research or practical internship within a relevant organisation, such as popular science magazines, science museums, radio or television.

BPS and Science Communication and Society: the right master’s programme for you?

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Do you want to combine high quality bio-pharmaceutical research with professional science communication? Then, this master’s specialisation is an excellent opportunity for you. You will be prepared for a career as a science or health communicator, policy maker, PR officer, science journalist, health officer, museum educator or a researcher with a communicating mindset.

Career prospects

With an MSc degree in BPS and Science Communication & Society you are well prepared for a broad array of career prospects in research or industry. The master’s degree is an excellent preparation for a career at the interface of science and public affairs.

The Master of Science programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a sound theoretical basis. After completing your MSc programme you will have excellent knowledge of fundamental Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences and highly developed research skills. Moreover you have obtained the skills and knowledge to apply your BPS background to SCS careers. Some examples of career at the interface of science and public affairs are: science writer, science policymaker, public relations officer or research scientist with particular communication skills.

Career

One finds graduates from Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences in the entire width of the (bio)pharmaceutical field. Their careers generally remain closely related to the field of drug discovery and design, or the development and production of drugs, including drug quality, safety and clinical trials. Jobs outside research include various functions in the pharmaceutical industry, in biotechnology companies, or with the government.

Many graduates from Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences choose a career in scientific research and pursue a PhD degree. After obtaining your PhD degree you can continue as a postdoctoral fellow and subsequently, via a tenure track position at university, develop further to assistant-, associate-, or full professor.