It was great to get hands-on practical experience with media production equipment.

What made you want to study MSc Science Communication?

I really liked the mix of practical and theoretical teachings that were offered on the course, and the interdisciplinary approach of a course co-run by the School of Biosciences and the School of Information, Journalism and Communication. The academic staff I knew about ahead of the course also seemed experienced and entrenched within science communication practice. It was exciting to hear about their experiences within industry.

What made you decide to study at the University of Sheffield?

I looked at several similar courses around the world, and narrowed into studying in the UK. The benefits of the course (like the interdisciplinary classes and practical experiences) tipped in favour of the University of Sheffield. Sheffield is also a beautiful city that has lots of greenery/outdoor activities which really spoke to me, as did the comparative cost of living. 

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I've really enjoyed meeting like-minded people who are similarly passionate about sharing the joy we find in science to different audiences. I've also loved getting to try out so many different avenues of science communication — be that photography, podcasting or even hosting a science fair for school children.        I've reinforced my media skills like producing, filming and editing audio/video, and developed my writing skills for different formats. I also got to practice engaging with external audiences, built my professional network, and cultivated my academic inquiry skills.

What skills have you developed during your course?

With such a broad course, you are likely to experience lots of new things. Don't be afraid of trying these new things, but always keep your goals in mind so you can make the most out of your MSc. The best thing about this course at Sheffield is that you get hands-on practical experience with media production equipment and outreach programs. You then get to make your dissertation what you want it to be, with all those skills in your back pocket.