COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s specialisation Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences and Science Communication & Society combines advanced scientific training with in-depth education in the interaction between science and society. The program is structured into two main components, with the first year dedicated to Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPS) and the second year focused on Science Communication and Society (SCS). This structure allows students to develop strong research skills while also gaining expertise in effectively communicating scientific knowledge to diverse audiences.In the BPS component, students complete 60–80 EC of coursework and research. They begin with the Introduction Course in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (6 EC), which provides essential preparation for the major nine-month Research Project 1 (47 EC) conducted within a division of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR). Alongside this, students follow a BPS lecture series (4 EC) chosen from the program’s e-prospectus and the course Advanced Academic Skills and Career Orientation (3 EC), which focuses on transferable skills for research and career development. The BPS component may also be extended by 20 EC through additional lecture series or courses in the life sciences or medicine, allowing students to broaden their scientific expertise.The second-year SCS component consists of 40–60 EC and provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to bridge the gap between science and the public. Students take SCS Courses (23 EC) covering topics such as science communication, journalism, and public engagement. They then design an SCS Project Proposal (3 EC) and apply their skills during one or more SCS Internships (14–34 EC), gaining hands-on experience in professional environments such as media organisations, museums, government institutions, or communication departments within pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.The educational methods used throughout the program include colloquia, lectures, lab work, literature studies, individual papers, presentations, working groups, and internships. This diverse approach ensures students develop not only scientific and communication expertise but also practical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Graduates are well prepared for careers at the intersection of science and society, in roles ranging from science journalism and education to public affairs and communication in research-intensive organisations.