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Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm)

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Overview

Dunedin is a UNESCO City of Literature, supports an International Science Festival, and is the wildlife capital of New Zealand, with colonies of seals, albatross and penguins all within the city's boundaries. The outstanding natural environment and dynamic cultural environment provide an excellent setting for the University of Otago’s Department of Science Communication, the home of story-telling and science.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm) offers three Science Communication endorsements:

  • Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science
  • Science and Natural History Filmmaking
  • Science in Society

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Information for new applicants

The Science and Natural History Filmmaking endorsement is subject to limitations on enrolment numbers. Qualified domestic students are given first preference, but places may be available for international students.

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Contact details

Department of Science Communication

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

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Subject area

Science Communication

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Programme requirements

Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm) endorsed in Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science

Papers
  • SCOM 402 The Craft of Storytelling
  • SCOM 403 Science and Creative Non-Fiction Writing
  • SCOM 409 Introduction to Science Communication
  • SCOM 413 Digital Production for Science Communication
  • Two other 400-level papers approved by the Head of the Department of Science Communication

Note: SCOM 432 and 433 may be substituted for SCOM 402 and 403 for Distance students in each option.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm) endorsed in Science and Natural History Filmmaking

Papers
  • SCOM 402 The Craft of Storytelling
  • SCOM 405 Business of Filmmaking
  • SCOM 409 Introduction to Science Communication
  • SCOM 411 The Techniques of Natural History and Science Filmmaking 1
  • SCOM 412 The Techniques of Natural History and Science Filmmaking 2
  • One other 400-level paper approved by the Head of the Department of Science Communication

Note: SCOM 432 and 433 may be substituted for SCOM 402 and 403 for Distance students in each option.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm) endorsed in Science in Society

Papers
  • SCOM 402 The Craft of Storytelling
  • SCOM 406 Science Exhibitions and Interpretation
  • SCOM 409 Introduction to Science Communication
  • SCOM 413 Digital Production for Science Communication
  • Two other 400-level papers approved by the Head of the Department of Science Communication

Note: SCOM 432 and 433 may be substituted for SCOM 402 and 403 for Distance students in each option.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm) unendorsed option

Papers

Any six SCOM 400-level papers which do not satisfy the requirements for one of the other Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication endorsements.

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

Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm)

  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

    1. Every programme of study shall be as prescribed for one of the options in the PGDipSciComm Schedule.
    2. A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication shall be exempted from those papers in the programme for the diploma which have been previously passed for the certificate.

  3. Duration of the Programme

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

  4. 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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