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Study Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science at Otago

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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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Apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm) through the Dunedin campus in 2022

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Overview

Consider how to communicate science most effectively with the written word. Co-ordinated by award-winning authors, you will study in the beautiful City of Dunedin, a UNESCO City of Literature. You will focus on how to make communication more engaging through crafting stories, critiquing, and development of your writing techniques. You will learn about the process of digital publishing and how to create multimedia publications and ebooks.

At the Master's level, this programme will mentor you through the process of writing a book or other significant written work.

Contact details

Tel +64 3 479 7939
Email sciencecommunication@otago.ac.nz
Web Creative Nonfiction Writing in Science
Applied Science

Qualifications

Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science is available as an endorsement for:

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Programme requirements

Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm) endorsed in Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science

Papers

On campus - three of:

  • SCOM 402 The Craft of Storytelling
  • SCOM 403 Science and Creative Non-Fiction Writing
  • SCOM 404 Science Communication Internship
  • SCOM 413 Digital Production for Science Communication

Distance - three of:

  • SCOM 409 Introduction to Science Communication*
  • SCOM 432 The Craft of Storytelling
  • SCOM 433 Science and Creative Non-Fiction Writing
  • SCOM 434 Science Communication Internship

* SCOM 409 Introduction to Science Communication has been approved for online delivery in 2021 to assist students impacted by COVID-19. The online version of this paper cannot be selected through eVision. To apply see the Learning at Otago in 2021: Online - How to apply.

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 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.

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) 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
  • Three other 400-level papers
  • APPS 597 (e.g. writing a book or longform magazine-style article)

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 Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science

Papers and Thesis
  • 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
  • SCOM 495  Thesis Preparation and Proposal
  • One other 400-level paper with approval from the Head of the Department of Science Communication
  • Thesis: SCOM 5A (60 points) and SCOM 5B (60 points) (including a substantial creative writing project)

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.