Communication, Health and Life Sciences (MCH) / MSc

Introduction

In the MSc study programme Applied Communication Science students learn to integrate communication science with current societal issues, problems and challenges in the domains of the life sciences in a scientifically sound and ethical way. They are able to analyze the role of communication in complex processes of change and can design communication strategies, process plans and interventions that are relevant to societal problem solving and innovation.
The focus of the programme implies that the study programme pays attention to negotiation processes, expert-lay communication, facilitation of networks and the management of socio-technological innovation processes. The graduates are full-fledged communication scientists with sufficient knowledge on the scientific approaches, the issues and scientific debates in a life science domain of choice to be able to link this knowledge to communication. Graduates can communicate with life scientists, collaborate in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research teams, and function as an intermediary between life science experts on the one hand and policymakers and the wider public on the other hand.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this MSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- evaluate concepts, theories and themes of communication science and related social sciences (in relation to current societal issues, problems and challenges in the domains of the life sciences);
- apply the basic ideas, theories and themes of innovation sciences to communication in processes of change;
- integrate knowledge and understanding of communication science with theoretical and methodological knowledge and understanding in a domain of choice in the life sciences (for example climate, environment, water, food production, biotechnology or nutrition & health);
- design a communication science research plan related to a domain of choice in the life sciences, in which the problem definition, analytical framework, research objectives, questions and design are embedded in relevant literature;
- apply appropriate research methods and techniques to collect data for and analyze data of literature and empirical research in the area of communication science;
- analyze complex problems and processes of change within a domain of the life sciences from a communication science perspective;
- design communication strategies to deal with (national and international) societal problems within the domains of the life sciences;
- judge the ethical and societal consequences of communication and reflect upon the various roles of the communication professional in processes of change within the domains of the life sciences;
- co-operate as a communication specialist to perform project-based work in a multidisciplinary team and to design and carry out transdisciplinary research;
- function as an intermediary between life science experts on the one hand and policymakers and the wider public on the other hand;
- reflect upon personal knowledge, skills, attitudes and functioning, both individually and in discussions with others, and design and plan their own study path.

Specializations

There are no pre-arranged specializations. Students develop their own specialization by choosing a domain in the life sciences, following courses in that domain, and combining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned there with those of communication science in the research project (major thesis) that concludes their Master programme.

Programme Director

Drs. M.G.C. Smetsers
Email: maria.smetsers@wur.nl
Phone: 0317-(4)84737

Study Adviser(s)

Ir M. van Maanen-Nooij
Phone: 0317-(4)82772
Email: marleen.nooij@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: Dr B.C. van Mierlo
Secretary: Drs M.G.C. Smetsers

Internet

http://www.mcs.wur.nl

Study Association

Ipso Facto
De Leeuwenborch, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen
Email: bestuur.ipso-facto@wur.nl