This course is intended or those involved in public science outreach and/or engagement activities in any sector. The course addresses both high-level strategic aspects and hands-on practical skills.
Public Science Communication
Overview
| Module Code | BMOL50070 |
| Module Title | Public Science Communications |
| Subject Area | Science / Society |
| Credits | 5 |
| NFQ | 9 |
| EFQ | |
| Start Date | 20th January 2026 |
| Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Time | Fortnightly, each Tuesday 11AM-1PM (TBC) |
| Mode of Delivery | Blended |
| Course Leader | Dr. Craig Slattery |
| Fee | Full Fee: €768.75 |
| Application Deadline |
This micro-credential is intended for people wishing to develop their own communications skills to a broad range of audiences, with specific emphasis on effective communication of scientific information and research findings.
The course consists of 6 2-hour, science communication workshops delivered by experienced science communicators, science journalists and professional presentation coaches.
On completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Outline the importance of communicating science to non-specialist audiences
- Describe different approaches for communicating complex scientific information to non-specialist audiences
- Critically assess science communication strategies
- Explain the impact of information and misinformation on the public, governments and policy makers
- Communicate their own research to a public audience in an accessible and engaging manner
This course is built around a series of workshops.
Workshop 1: Communicating Science to the Public – Fighting misinformation
Workshop 2: Stories of science - Crafting compelling narratives to maximise impact
Workshop 3: Sometimes looks do matter – creating visually appealing sci-com
Workshop 4: Building accessibility into public science communication
Workshop 5: Presenting with Clarity & Confidence – Tools of the Trade
Workshop 6: Online content and other media in public science communication
Learners will develop their own core communication skills, whilst also developing strategic understanding of strategies for public science communication initiatives.
This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of lectures/seminars (available online), critical reflection, and learner presentations.
A repository of resources will be available to support your learning, and as a UCD student, you will have full access to the library.
This is a 5 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 108 hours of learner effort.
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 18 |
| Small Group | 5 |
| Specified Learning Activities | 30 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 55 |
| Total | 108 |
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Workshops
External Speakers
Online Materials
Group Work
Applicants must hold a degree in science, engineering, medicine, nursing or another relevant discipline. An upper second-class honours Level 8 degree (GPA 3.08), or international equivalent is required.
Applications will also be accepted from those with significant, relevant, practical experience or those with a graduate qualification relevant to the micro-credential.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.
All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Written Assignment – 30%
Presentation – 40%
AV project – 40%
Written/recorded feedback will be provided for written assignments. Written feedback will be provided for presentations / projects.
On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.
If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.