Physics and Science Communication and Society (MSc)

Why Leiden University?

Science Communication and Society (SCS)

Within our department we study and teach science communication. Our research programme is aimed at improving science communication with the central themes ‘Authenticity in informal learning’ and ‘Bridging the gap between experts and the general public’. Our master’s specialisation is available to all master students within the Faculty of Science and enables you to bring together your field of science and society. We focus on a strong link between science communication theory and practice, combining lectures, written and hands-on assignments, research projects and practical internships.

Education at a world class research institute

The Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) is one of the oldest physics institutes in the Netherlands. Renowned physicist like Lorentz, Kamerlingh-Onnes, Zeeman and van der Waals obtained their breakthrough results while working in Leiden.For over a century, many eminent scientists have been and are associated to LION as staff members, alumni and guests.  Building on this tradition, we perform physics research and provide physics education at the highest level. Therefore you can expect excellent education and cutting edge research in Physics during your master’s programme.

Broad spectrum of research topics

Research at LION covers a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from cosmology to the mechanics of DNA, from the physics of jamming in granular materials to quantum nano-science, from protein folding to superlubricity. All topics are covered by joined efforts in theory and experiment. Further, the development of novel world-class instrumentation is signature for LION’s experimental research effort. During your research project you will participate in one of our research groups. Many master’s students obtain their degree with a publication in an international refereed journal.

Experimental and Theoretical Physics

Experimental physics research covers two domains: Biological and Soft Matter, and Quantum Matter and Optics. The Instituut-Lorentz is the home of theoretical physics that tackles topics as diverse as condensed matter, biophysics, string theory, and cosmology. It is our aim to have parallel theoretical and experimental activities in those research areas that we cover. There is close collaboration of theorists with experimentalists on many of the topics.

Faculty of Science

The Leiden University Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the fundamental disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes cover the entire spectrum of science, including Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and societal relevance. 

Study at a world-class university

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys an excellent worldwide reputation built up over more than four centuries. Since 1575 we’ve provided sound personal education for hundreds of thousands of students. We’ll do our utmost to give you the best possible support. And if you can and want to do more, we’ll challenge you every step of the way. For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and we are currently to be found in a variety of top international rankings too.

More reasons to choose Leiden University