Master of Science (MSc) in Biology - Specialisation in Science in Society
Radboud University

Netherlands

About this course

What will I learn?

Science and technology have a profound influence on society, but the reverse is also true: society significantly shapes the ways in which science and technology evolve. However, experience shows that scientists on the one hand and the general public, government and businesses on the other aren’t always able to clearly understand one another. That is why experts with a background in science and an understanding of social processes are indispensable. This specialisation will equip you with the knowledge, tools and skills to be a professional intermediary between science and society whilst getting a broader societal perspective.

What will you learn?

This specialisation will teach you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to build a bridge between scientific expertise and societal practices. The issues you’ll deal with in the future will be connected to your own scientific background. Therefore, you’ll become a biologist, chemist, mathematician, etc. that can reflect on the implications of scientific results and can give advice on how to turn this knowledge into practical use for policymaking or communication purposes. This reflection will not just be scientific; you’ll also learn how to detect the philosophical, political and ethical side of scientific developments. You’ll make scientists familiar with social perceptions as much as you’ll be advising governments and businesses or informing the general public on scientific matters.

Career prospects

Master’s specialisation in Science in Society

The societal specialisation Science in Society equips you with the tools and skills to become a professional intermediary between science and society whilst providing you with a broader societal perspective that will be useful in a scientific career.

Master’s students who complete this specialisation develop careers in various fields:

  • Intermediary organisations between science and society: policy, advisory bodies, interest groups and governments
  • Interdisciplinary research, connecting science and society
  • Science communication: as a journalist, communication advisor or information officer

Which department am I in?

Faculty of Science

Study options

Full Time (2 Years)

Tuition fees
€17,000.00 (15,06,959) per year
Start date

Expected September 2023

Venue

Radboud University

Houtlaan 4,

NIJMEGEN,

Gelderland,

6525 XZ, Netherlands

Entry requirements

For students from United States

A completed Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Law equivalent to the Dutch educational level*. For the specialisation European Law and Global Affairs: Students with a degree in Politics, Governance, International Relations, Liberal Arts or equivalent, with a substantial number of courses in Law, are also eligible for admission to this specialisation. These students should provide proof of their knowledge of the basic concepts of Law. A proficiency in English: In order to take part in this programme, you need to have an adequate knowledge of English. Non-native speakers of English** need to provide evidence of their proficiency by submitting one of the following tests: A TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 90 overall (internet-based, with a minimum of 23 for writing) or 575 (paper-based). The institutional TOEFL code for Radboud University is 3387; or An IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum score of 6.0 minimum for the components listening, reading and speaking and a 6.5 minimum for writing); or A Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) with grade C or higher or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with grade C or higher.

For international students

A completed Bachelor's degree in Biology or related area.

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

  • TOEFL iBT: ≥ 90 + subscores ≥ 22;
  • IELTS Academic: ≥ 6,5 overall + subscores ≥ 6,0 + writing subscore ≥ 6,5;
  • Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: C or higher.

Application Deadline: Non-EU/EEA students - 1 April; EU/EEA students - 1 May (recommended deadline for assistance with finding housing) and 1 July (final application deadline).

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