MASTER OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT


Programme Overview

As nations continue to address the gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), professionals with an advanced appreciation for the nuances in the interaction between scientific and non-scientific communities is expected to be highly sought after. Such professionals would fill roles as Public Relations Manager, Communications Director, Corporate Strategy Manager, Research Manager, or Science Journalist.


The Master of Science Communication and Public Engagement aims to bridge this gap by equipping graduates with skills and knowledge in communicating science to a broad range of audiences, as well as engaging with key stakeholders to mediate the interaction between technical experts, decision makers and consumers. The following topics would be covered in this programme:

  • Principles of Science Communication and Public Engagement.
  • Science and Media in a Multicultural Society.
  • Science, Policy and Public Impact.
  • Big Data in Science Communication.
  • Managing Science and Technology Events.
  • Controversial Issues in Science and Technology.
  • Science Diplomacy.

  • Full-Time Duration: 2 Semesters + 1 Special Semester, (Coursework)

Programme Structure

Core Courses (28 Credits)
  1. Research Methodology
  2. Principles in Science Communication and Public Engagement
  3. Science and Media in Multicultural Society
  4. Science, Policy and Public Impact
  5. Big Data in Science Communication

Elective Courses (12 Credits)
  1. Controversial Issues in Science and Technology
  2. System Thinking for Decision Making
  3. Social Innovation
  4. Digital Law and Communication Ethics
  5. Managing Science and Technology Events
  6. Science Diplomacy

Research Courses (12 Credits)
  1. Research Project

Career Prospects

Science Communicator, Public Engagement Specialist, Science Policy Analyst, Science Media Relations Manager, Big Data Analyst in Science Communication, Science and Technology Event Manager, Social Innovation Consultant, Science Diplomat, Digital Communications Specialist, Science Communication Researcher, Public Affairs Specialist, Communication Strategist for Scientific Institutions, Media Liaison for Scientific Organizations, Ethics Consultant in Science Communication, System Thinking Advisor in Science Policy.

Tuition Fee

Local

RM18,400 (Full-Time)

International

RM30,800 (Full-Time)

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements

For applicants with a CGPA of not less than 3.00:
  • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or

For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50 – 2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following):
  • Graduate from University Malaya; or
  • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
  • Produce publications in related field; or
  • Receive a scholarship; or
  • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
  • Pass an interview by Faculty; or
  • Pass a Special evaluation by Faculty.

Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possessed a Bachelor's Degree in the related field.
  • Equivalent Qualification: N/A
  • Related Fields: Any related field with relevant qualification.
  • Special Requirements: N/A

English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Score 250; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable