MSc in Mathematics - Mathematics and Science Communication and Society

Leiden University

The master's specialisation Mathematics and Science Communication and Society focuses on the interaction between science and society.

What does this master’s programme entail?

Increasingly, the general public wants to be and needs to be informed about scientific topics. At the same time, scientists need to show accountability to the general public about their research. In this specialisation you bridge the gap between experts and the public by combining high quality research in mathematics with extensive training in science communication. After completion, you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become a science communicator with a strong mathematical background, or a scientist with a communicating mindset.

Why study Mathematics and Science Communication and Society (SCS) at Leiden University?

• The specialisation provides you with at least one full year of research training in Mathematics, followed by a year of courses, internships and research in the field of science communication.
• You can design your own tailor-made programme, adjusted to your ambitions and interests, within the research areas analysis and number theory.
• You will get hands-on experience during a science communication research or practical internship within a relevant organisation, such as popular science magazines, science museums, radio or television.

Mathematics and SCS: the right master’s programme for you?

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Want to combine high quality research in mathematics with professional science communication? Then, this master’s specialisation is an excellent opportunity for you. You will be prepared for a career as a science or health communicator, policy maker, PR officer, science journalist, health officer, museum educator or a mathematics researcher with a communicating mindset.

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.

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.