Biology 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.
A Master in Biology at Leiden University gives you an internationally recognised degree that prepares you for a PhD study. Moreover, our focus on training transferable skills will make you a much wanted professional in and outside research.
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.
Career
Approximately half of our graduates choose a career in scientific research, many as a PhD student. Universities, research institutes, and medical centres are the major employers. Other alumni work at consultancy agencies or in the public domain as policy-makers, science communicators or teachers. Graduates also occupy management positions or have project responsibilities in a wide variety of commercial and non-commercial sectors, from bioscience-based companies to environmental management agencies. Some students even start their own company.