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Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm)

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Apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm) through the Dunedin campus in 2023

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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 endorsements in Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science, Science and Natural History Filmmaking, and Science in Society are in the process of being discontinued.

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.

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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.

The Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science endorsement is in the process of being discontinued. No new applications for this endorsement are being accepted for 2023.

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.

The Science and Natural History Filmmaking endorsement is in the process of being discontinued. No new applications for this endorsement are being accepted for 2023.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm) 

Papers

SCOM 402, SCOM 403, SCOM 406, SCOM 409, SCOM 411, and either SCOM 404 or SCOM 412.

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

SCOM 411 is prerequisite for SCOM 412.

SCOM 432, SCOM 433, SCOM 434 and SCOM 439 may be substituted for SCOM 402, SCOM 403, SCOM 404 and SCOM 409 as Distance options.

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.

The Science in Society endorsement is in the process of being discontinued. No new applications are being accepted for this endorsement in 2023.

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 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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