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Study Science in Society 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

The Science in Society endorsement prepares students for a spectrum of opportunities as professional science communicators. Science communicators present scientific content in a relevant context and promote public interactions with science. Science communicators also participate in advising and devising strategies to increase the use of scientific information and evidence in personal and policy decision making. Graduates have found work with a range of employers including museums, media centres, universities and government agencies. Other graduates run their own science communication businesses.

Science in Society is available as an endorsement for four postgraduate programmes in Science Communication:

SCOM students in the MAppSc and the MSciComm are expected to produce a creative science communication resource. Our students have produced teaching resources, ecotourism material, games, museum exhibitions and art installations. You will be encouraged to identify something you are passionate about and produce a creative output that meets a need.

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Contact details

Tel +64 3 479 7939
Email sciencecommunciation@otago.ac.nz
Websites
Science Communication
Applied Science programme

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Programme requirements

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.

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Science in Society

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 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
  • 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) (in most cases, including an exhibition or multimedia project)

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