Science communication and the media

Maths, like all the sciences, has become a highly specialised field. It is next to impossible for a lay person to understand all its uses and the latest advances. Science communicators, writers and journalists are here to make maths and science accessible for the general public. They work for broadsheet newspapers and popular science magazines such as the New Scientist, help to put together and host TV programmes, write popular science books and help put on science exhibitions.

For a career in this area you definitely need a maths or science degree, and this is what you should concentrate on while you are at university. Having said that, there are many opportunities for students to try their hand at science communication, for example by taking part in science writing competitions, or by becoming a volunteer helping to put on science festivals.