Universiteit Leiden

nl en

Mathematics 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.

The Master of Science programme guarantees excellent knowledge of fundamental Mathematics and highly developed research skills. Moreover you have obtained the skills and knowledge to apply your Mathematics 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.

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

The Mathematics Master’s programme is an ideal basis for a career in academia, starting for example with one of the PhD programmes at the Leiden Mathematical Institute. Alumni also work as researchers within an industrial environment, such as in Akzo-Nobel, Shell, Philips or TNO. There are also many possibilities in business. Graduates with a Mathematics degree find jobs in banks, insurance and option trading companies, communication and information technology, industry, and logistics.