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Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)

Apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)

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Applications for this general qualification are now being accepted for 2023. While we are still teaching filmmaking, writing, and engagement with society, the following endorsements are not offered from 2023: Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science, Science and Natural History Filmmaking, and Science in Society, as they are in the process of being discontinued.

Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm) caters for a range of students – those with no prior experience in science communication who want an introduction to the discipline as well as those who are already professional science communicators and have a desire to fill a skills gap or increase their understanding of the science of science communication.

The PGCertSciComm can be taken full-time in one semester or part-time over a longer period.

Distance or on-campus papers

You can choose to take all of the papers on campus or substitute specific distance papers for on-campus papers.

This means that you can complete the PGCertSciComm either:

  • all on campus
  • all by distance, or
  • by a combination of on-campus and distance papers.

See the programme requirements table below for the paper options.

Contact details

Department of Science Communication

Email sciencecommunication@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/science-communication

Subject

Science Communication

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Programme requirements

Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm) 

Papers

Three of SCOM 402, SCOM 403, SCOM 404, SCOM 406 or SCOM 409.

One other paper at 400-level may be substituted for one of the prescribed papers, with approval from the Head of the Department of Science Communication.

SCOM 432, SCOM 433, SCOM 434, SCOM 439 may be substituted for SCOM 402, SCOM 403 and SCOM 409 as Distance options.

Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)

  1. Admission to the Programme

    1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Sciences), on the advice of the Head of the Department of Science Communication.
    2. Every applicant shall either
      1. have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Science; or
      2. have alternative qualifications acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

  2. Structure of the Programme

    Every programme of study shall be as prescribed in the PGCertSciComm Schedule.

  3. Duration of the Programme

    1. The programme may be taken by full-time candidates in one semester.
    2. A candidate shall satisfy the requirements for the certificate within two years of admission to the programme.

    3. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

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