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Study Science and Natural History Filmmaking at Otago

Jelly fish

Apply for the Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)

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Apply for the Master of Science Communication (MSciComm) through the Dunedin campus in 2022

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Overview

Dunedin is the wildlife capital of New Zealand with colonies of seals, albatross and penguins all living within the city's boundaries. It is no accident that it has also become a centre for those involved in natural history filmmaking.

Learn how to take factual filmmaking to new heights. Taught in association with NHNZ – the world’s second-largest producer of documentaries – the course is taught by award-winning filmmakers who are some of the best in the business. Films produced by the Centre’s students have won many awards, including the industry's most prestigious.

Science and Natural History Filmmaking is available as an endorsement for the:

Contact details

Tel +64 3 479 7939
Email sciencecommunication@otago.ac.nz
Websites Applied Science programme
MSciComm Filmmaking

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Programme requirements

Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm) endorsed in Science and Natural History Filmmaking

Papers
  • SCOM 405 Business of Filmmaking
  • SCOM 411 The Techniques of Natural History and Science Filmmaking 1
  • SCOM 412 The Techniques of Natural History and Science Filmmaking 2

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.

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.

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Science and Natural History Filmmaking

Papers

Notes: This programme requires three semesters of study.
One of the prescribed papers may be replaced with another 400-level paper (university-wide) with approval from the Head of the Department of Science Communication

Master of Science Communication (MSciComm) 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
  • SCOM 495  Thesis Preparation and Proposal
  • Thesis: SCOM 5A (60 points) and SCOM 5B (60 points) (in most cases, including production of a film).

Note: SCOM 432, 433 and 434 may be substituted for SCOM 402, 403 and 404 for Distance students in each option.

*Further information will be available for this paper in early September.