Internship II MPA Specialization Communication

Course Objective

The internship is a compulsory part of the Master’s programme. The aims
of the internship are:
• Learn to independently apply and expand your practical science
communication skills in one particular area of the field (writing,
multi-media, facilitation, policy and strategy development, content
design, etc.).
• Critical self-assessment and reflection on acquired science
communication competencies in the field.
• Conduct scientific research independently: assess scientific
information, design a research project, apply scientific methods,
collect data, report and discuss findings.
• Present and discuss about internship and research outcomes.
• Learn to cooperate with researchers and practitioners of various
disciplines.
• Gain an impression of a potential future field of career.

Course Content

When you are enrolled in the VU Science Communication specialization or
the UvA Major Science Communication you need to conduct one internship
(30 ECTS, 5 months). MPA students that choose the Science Communication
specialization also need to do at least one internship (30 ECTS,
5months) in the Science Communication field. The internship has two
possible formats: the Research Internship and the Reflective
Practice Placement. The complete and up-to-date information about
the internship can be found in the SC internship guide line on
Canvas (science communication community).

Additional Information Teaching Methods

Work-based placement

Method of Assessment

Written report and oral presentation.
Within six weeks after the start of the master internship, an interim
evaluation will take place to assess whether there is a reasonable
chance of the placement being brought to a successful completion.
The internship is supervised and assessed by two lecturers. Both
lecturers are members of the academic staff at VU University Amsterdam.
The day-to-day supervision can be carried out by a trainee research
assistant (AIO), postdoc or researcher.

Additional Information Target Audience

Students MSc MPA year 2

Additional Information

Participation in this compulsory component is only permitted if the
student meets the relevant requirements for admission. These
requirements are detailed in the Internship guideline MPA (on
Canvas) and in the Academic and Examination Regulations.
The work-based placement is subject to the FALW document: “Student
placement (internship) and literature regulations”. These regulations
require detailed written agreements between supervisors and student that
specify the conditions for the Master research project. This agreement
should be sent for approval by the MPA internship or master co-ordinator
at least two weeks before the planned start of the work-based placement.
If the proposal is of sufficient quality, you can start your internship.
If not, you’ll need to adapt your proposal and send it for approval
again. You can only start your internship after your research design has
been approved.

Information on Master internships is made available on Canvas.