Study programme - MSc Communication, Health and Life Sciences

In the master's Communication, Health and Life Sciences students learn to understand complex social problems around food, health and life sciences from various perspectives. But they also learn to translate issues for diverse audiences and to build bridges across societal boundaries; between science and society, health and care and different professions.

Year 1

In the whole first year students follow courses. The academic year consists of 6 periods. Period 1, 2, 5 and 6 comprise six weeks of classes, one week of self-study and one exam week. In these periods students often follow two courses worth 6 credits each. Period 3 and 4 entail of four weeks in which both the lectures and the exams take place. In these periods students follow one course worth 6 credits. The expected workload is 40 hours per week.

Year 2

The second year allows you to illustrate that you are capable of delivering a solid piece of scientific research through your thesis. The thesis is worth 36 credits (around 25 weeks). The second year also challenges you to work within an external organisation during your internship. This internship is worth 24 credits (around 16 weeks).

Specialisations

Specialisation Communication and Innovation

In the specialisation Communication and Innovation students learn to integrate communication science with problem-solving and innovation in the domain of the life sciences, such as nature, environment, water, nutrition and health, biotechnology and food production. Learn more about the specialisation Communication and Innovation.

Specialisation Health and Society

The specialisation Health and Society studies behavioural, social and environmental aspects of health, illness and quality of life, as well as the consequences of the health status for both the individual and society. Learn more about the specialisation Health and Society.

Courses

The academic year at Wageningen University & Research is divided into six periods. The total master's programme contains 120 credits (2 years).

This master's in communication science starts with a common course on science communication that looks at new ways for Science to interact and communicate with society, and looks at a number of related questions like how come that there is distrust in science, and what does this development mean for the ways in which science and technology are communicated in society) and a common course on research methods and data analysis. After the common course, you can choose between two specialisations.

For more information about the courses, check the Study Handbook.

WASS graduate programme

Are you enthusiastic about doing research and interested in doing a PhD in the future? The Wageningen School of Social Sciences offers motivated students a special track which prepares students for a PhD position. Learn more about The WASS Graduate Programme.

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