Master in Science Communication

Education objectives

Joint master degree programme between FCSH/NOVA and ITQB/NOVA.
Portugal has a scientific culture deficit. Despite the considerable progress of the scientific community, Portuguese science does not reach its main subsidizer – society – either because it is not communicated by the research institutions or because it is not properly handled by mass media, lacking qualified professionals in this area. A third player in the mission to bring science closer to the public is represented by science museums and science centers, that represent an important link between research institutions and the public. Intending to raise society’s science literacy as its ultimate purpose, the Master in Science Communication has three main goals:
a. Raise awareness of the importance to communicate scientific issues in a society
increasingly dependent on science and technology;
b. Motivate future communicators and educators for science communication in its different forms;
c. Contribute to establish science communication as a common practice in all research institutions.

In its practical component, this study cycle has the collaboration of several entities, including the Lisbon Oceanarium.

At the end of this study cycle, students should be able to:
a. recognize the importance to contribute to increase science literacy and the main ways to do it;
b. identify the distinctive aspects of science and science communication that require specific communication training;
c. develop communication plans appropriate for different audiences, through media, in schools and science centers/museums, and at research institutions.