Astronomy and Science Communication and Society (MSc)
Career prospects
After graduation you have a lot of opportunities: the field of science communication is very broad. You can also aim for a career in industry or research.
Acquired skills and competence
With a Leiden degree in Astronomy you have become a strong communicator and collaborator and can operate in an international setting with ease. You have acquired extensive astronomical research experience and highly advanced analytical and problem solving skills.
Students are prepared for a career as a science or health communicator, a science policy maker, a public relations officer, a science journalist, a health officer, a museum educator, a science communication researcher or for a career as a scientist with a communicating mindset.
Below you will find an overview of organisations where you can fulfill your SCS internships and where our alumni have found jobs:
- Science editorial offices at newspapers.
- Popular science magazines such as Kijk, New Scientist, Quest.
- Professional journals such as Bionieuws, Chemisch2Weekblad.
- Science museums, science centers, or zoos such as Naturalis, Boerhaave, Museon, Nemo, Artis, Blijdorp.
- Educational organisations such as Stichting C3, Technolab Leiden, UNAWE.
- Patient organisations and health organisations such as Diabetes Fonds, Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds, Nierstichting, KWF.
- Organisations for environmental education such as Natuurmonumenten.
- Radio, television, such as Klokhuis, SchoolTV, De Kennis van Nu.
- Websites with science information such as Kennislink, De Kennis van Nu.
- Research information officer at a university or research institute.
- Our own Science Communication & Society department; student research about mass media, citizen science, museum learning; PhD research in science communication.
- PhD in your own research field; increasingly, scientists with science communication skills are appreciated.
Most graduates holding a MSc degree in Astronomy from Leiden University find work in many different capacities, including:
- High technology
- Aerospace industry
- IT/Telecommunications
- Computer software
- Finance banking
- Consultancy
- Insurance industry
- Science communication
- Education
Graduates, who would like to get more deeply involved in research, may consider pursuing a PhD at Leiden Observatory. If you have completed the Leiden Master’s degree programme in Astronomy, you are eligible for admission to the PhD programme.