Physics and Science Communication and Society

Specialisation of: Physics
Degree: Master of Science in Physics
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: Flexible, for international students preferably September or February
Language of instruction: Dutch
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60202
Share |

The master’s track in Physics and Science Communication and Society closely co-operates with the MA specialisation ‘Journalistiek & Nieuwe Media’, MA Dutch Language and Culture, Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University.

Career

The master’s specialisation Physics and Communication deals with science communication in a broad sense. The programme prepares students for a career in popularisation of science for example as science writer, a science policymaker, a public relations officer, or for a career as a scientist with a communication mindset. The experiences and insights gained will be of benefit to those who intend to continue in an academic environment, for example as a PhD candidate in their own specialist field. The ability to communicate about science is an essential skill for all scientists.

Prof. Beenakker

“We regard master’s students as fully-fledged researchers.”

“Physics requires skills which are not so readily available. You have to like solving problems and you have to like Maths. My experience has been that anyone who studies physics soon becomes fascinated by the subject. Almost all bachelor’s graduates take a master’s, and many carry on to take a PhD.

Leiden University has a cast-iron reputation as a research university. Two physics lecturers have received the Spinoza prize, the highest award for science in the Netherlands. Leiden is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).

We regard master’s students as fully-fledged researchers. They have their own working space and play a full part in the business of conducting science. What I enjoy most about my work is when I am working together with students on a research project, in the traditional master/apprentice role. A student comes here to learn about scientific research; I am the coach. This fits well within our teams, which have a maximum of six people.

As a theoretical physicist, I like unravelling problems, but I like it even more when students do it. I see students develop into mature scientists. It fascinates me, and I find it very rewarding. All our lecturers are researchers at heart. We take our students very seriously.”