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Study Science Communication at Otago

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    The science of stories. The stories of science.

    Being a scientist today means not just navigating the world of research, but also integrating with the community, sharing knowledge and informing policy.

    With a qualification in Science Communication, you’ll have the creative flair and practical tools to inspire wonder, nurture greater understanding of the natural world and empower meaningful action to address society’s greatest challenges.

    Please note that only the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCertSciComm) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGDipSciComm) are available for study in 2024. Both of these qualifications are Distance-only.

    Applications for the Masters (MSciComm and MAppSc) and undergraduate Minor in Science Communication are currently paused.

    Students are encouraged to email sciencecommunication@otago.ac.nz with any questions.

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    Why study Science Communication?

    Science communication is rapidly expanding as an academic field, with endless opportunities for meaningful careers connecting society with advances in the understanding and application of science and technology, as well as nurturing creativity and enjoyment of science.

    Career opportunities

    Graduates of our programme are employed in a huge range of empowering careers, including regional and city councils, non-profit organisations, Crown Research Institutes, science and natural history magazines, video game development, commercial television, government ministries and museums.

    Science Communication at Otago

    Our department offers exciting opportunities for study at Otago. Taught entirely by distance, our asynchronous course is tailored to suit busy, working professionals.

    The PGCertSciComm (3 papers) / PGDipSciComm (6 papers) can be done part-time or full-time as an “at-your-own-pace” programme.

    We teach creative thinkers how to use stories to communicate the science they are most passionate about.

    Internships

    To enable students to develop their skills and interests further through real-world experience in a workplace environment, we offer a popular internship paper with a range of professional partners.

    Producing creative works

    In addition to an academic thesis, our students produce creative works that go into the public domain – be it a film, podcast, book, website, exhibition or any other creative endeavour involving the communication of scientific information.

    Our graduates are well-connected with industry professionals and leave equipped with an advanced job-ready skillset as well as a deep theoretical understanding of our field.

    Background required

    There are no subject prerequisites for course entry.

    Requirements

    See all programmes
    Science Communication as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    No new enrolments will be accepted for the minor in Science Communication for 2024.  Please contact the Department of Science Communication for further information.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    MFCO 103 Introduction to Communication Studies

    SCOM 109 Communicating Science: an Introduction

    18

    18

    Above 100-level

    MFCO 222 Science, Technology, and Society

    SCOM 301 Science and the Public

    One of MFCO 220, MFCO 223, MFCO 321, ECOL 212, ENGL 228, ENGL 327, HIST 229, HIST 306, PHIL 225, PHIL 235, POLS 207, PUBH 202, PUBH 203, RELS 217, RELS 317, SOCI 208, TOUR 306

    		18

    18

    18

    Total 90

    SCOM papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    SCOM109 2024 Communicating Science: an Introduction 18 Not offered in 2024
    SCOM301 2024 Engaging the Public with Science 18 Semester 2
    SCOM402 2024 The Craft of Storytelling 20 Not offered in 2024
    SCOM403 2024 Science and Creative Non-Fiction Writing 20 Not offered in 2024
    SCOM404 2024 Science Communication Internship 20 Not offered in 2024
    SCOM406 2024 Science Communication Strategies and Resources 20 Not offered in 2024
    SCOM409 2024 Introduction to Science Communication 20 Not offered in 2024
    SCOM412 2024 The Techniques of Natural History and Science Filmmaking 20 Not offered in 2024
    SCOM419 2024 Special Topic: Key Voices in Science Communication 20 Semester 1
    SCOM432 2024 The Craft of Storytelling 20 Semester 1
    SCOM433 2024 Science and Creative Non-Fiction Writing 20 Semester 2
    SCOM434 2024 Science Communication Internship 20 Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year
    SCOM439 2024 Introduction to Science Communication 20 Semester 1
    SCOM495 2024 Thesis Preparation and Proposal 20 Not offered in 2024

    SCCM papers

    Papers for "SCCM" not found.

    Qualifications

    Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

      More information

      Contact us

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

      Studying at Otago

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      Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.

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