Science Communication and Public Engagement (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
  • PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh Medical School

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Programme website
Accreditation

Not available

Apply now

15 October: Postgraduate Online Learning Essentials

Find out what it’s like to study online at Edinburgh, with insights into learning, community and the support available to online postgraduate students.

Register now

Open Days on Demand

Dive into an extensive selection of programme-specific session recordings hosted by our Academic and Professional Services staff.


About the degree programme

This programme covers communication of science, engineering, maths and technology. This innovative online programme is designed to equip you with the comprehensive skills necessary to excel in this rapidly growing field. You will gain a formal qualification that prepares you for a variety of roles at the interface between scientific research and public interaction.

The programme will support the development of critical thinking and practical skills to engage a range of audiences with science and non-science disciplines and topics.

Ideal for professionals around the world, this programme offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to engage in high-quality education from wherever you are, without the need to disrupt your current professional or personal commitments. This feature caters especially to those who wish to benefit from a prestigious UK-based education while enjoying the convenience of online learning.

The curriculum is carefully crafted to enhance your ability to effectively communicate complex scientific topics to diverse audiences and to influence public and policy discussions. Our core courses are integral to developing critical skills needed in today’s information-driven society.

A standout aspect of this programme is its practical application. The programme culminates with a dissertation project, offering you the opportunity to delve deeply into a specific area of interest and apply your skills in a tangible way.

The MSc in Science Communication and Public Engagement can help you make a significant impact in the way science is communicated and understood globally. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career and educational goals in a dynamic and supportive online environment.

Study options

​​The programme can be studied as a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc.

​If you are interested in a formal university qualification in science communication then sign up for our Postgraduate Certificate in the first instance.  

​Many students then transfer to the Diploma or the MSc.

Programme benefits

  • The University of Edinburgh has been delivering online degrees since 2005, with more than 11,000 graduates from over 180 countries.
  • We are experts in online learning and have a strong track record of providing the best experience possible, working closely with academic teams to design a fully online degree that works well for both the educators and our students.
  • ​A blend of theory and practical applications prepares you well for careers in the exciting field of science communication and public engagement, and to communicate sciences in a variety of fields.
  • ​Learn in a supportive and engaging learning environment with experts and your peers.

The programme was tied to the real-world applications and helped me enhance the skills that I have had in science communication even further. I appreciated the chance to apply what I was learning directly to my daily work, while connecting with like-minded professionals to exchange ideas and perspectives on the world of science communication. 

Luca Arfini MSc Science Communication and Public Engagement (Online learning), graduated 2024
Luca Arfini, MSc Science Communication and Public Engagement, graduated 2024

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

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

Other funding opportunities

Online Learning Scholarships

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We may also consider your application if you have relevant work experience; please contact us to check before you apply. You may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • 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.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We 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

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Year 1 (Postgraduate Certificate)

Courses currently on offer include:

  • Introduction to Science Communication and Public Engagement (10 credits)
  • Science Education: Engagement and Enrichment (10 credits)
  • Understanding Science (10 credits)
  • Principles and Practice in Public Engagement with Science (10 credits)
  • Science in Context (10 credits)
  • The Role of Social Media in Science Communication (10 credits)

Year 2 (Postgraduate Diploma)

Courses currently on offer include:

  • Science, Policy and Practice (10 credits)
  • Dialogue for Science Communication and Public Engagement (10 credits)
  • Science and the Media (10 credits)
  • Creative Arts in Science Engagement (10 credits)
  • Museums Exhibitions, Interpretation and Informal Learning (10 credits)
  • Principles and Practice in Public Engagement with Science II (10 credits)

Year 3 (Masters)

  • Dissertation project (60 credits)

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching blocks

The teaching is spread evenly throughout the year in three blocks, usually September to December, January to April, and April to July.

Assessment

​You will be assessed through written and online assessments in Years 1 and 2, and your dissertation project in Year 3. 

Learning outcomes

You will experience a variety of science communication and public engagement practices and issues. In the process, you will develop your critical thinking skills and ability to reflect on your learning.

Your learning in individual courses is transferable, ensuring interconnection across the programme. This provides opportunities for deeper learning and for the application of key principles in different contexts.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Teaching is delivered by practitioners/educators who provide an outstanding theory and practice-led learning experience that fosters individual intellectual development.​

How online learning works

Online programmes are delivered through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, LEARN. Our award-winning, online learning technology is fully interactive, and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to the University of Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 10 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Career opportunities

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 publics.

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

Upon completion, you will be well-equipped to pursue or advance careers that bridge the gap between scientific research and public discourse.

Many students on the programme are in full-time employment, and their roles have developed to involve science communication and public engagement. They have found the programme extremely useful, and in some cases, the programme has led to promotion within the organisation.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 21 August 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

Olgalissia Riley explains what she enjoyed about the Science Communication and Public Engagement programme and studying online.

General enquiries

Postgraduate Admissions Office

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

CMVM College Office

Usher Institute, Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh

5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter – Gate 3

Edinburgh

EH16 4UX

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7998

Academic contact

Dr Elizabeth Stevenson

Programme Director

  • Edinburgh Medical School
  • College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

Central Campus
Old Medical School
Teviot Place
Doorway 3
Edinburgh
EH8 9AG

Related degree programmes

Other degrees in Medicine

You may also be interested in