University
University of OtagoPostgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma
Summary
The need for effective and powerful science communication is greater than ever. Our course is very practical and applied, with a special focus on creative non-fiction science writing. Our students tend to be those whose passions and talents lie between the sciences and creative practice.
One of the great things about Science Communication is that it is deeply interdisciplinary, weaving together engaging content from STEM areas to the social sciences to the arts and humanities.
There are no subject prerequisites for course entry.
If you who aspire to work in science communication, our course teaches core skills in:
- Putting science communication theory into creative practice
- Writing engaging science-based story content for a general audience
- Multimedia such as infographics, podcasts, and mobile filmmaking
- Pitching to media and literary agents, drafting professional proposals
- Running idea-based events and exhibitions
Taught entirely by distance, our asynchronous course is tailored to suit busy, working professionals. The PGCertSciComm (3 papers) can be done part-time or full-time as an "at-your-own-pace" programme.
To enable students to develop their skills and interests through real-world work experience, the course offers a popular internship paper with a range of professional partners.
In addition to teaching creative thinkers how to use stories to communicate the science they are most passionate about, our innovative papers are built on the latest scholarly theory in the science of science communication and examine how people consume and use scientific information.
Our instructors are not only academics engaged in scientific research, they are also leading figures in the science communication industry, with commercially successful, award-winning popular science books and bylines in major magazines and media outlets such as The New York Times, Scientific American, and The New Zealand Herald.
Entry criteria
General entry requirementsA university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.
Domestic studentsYou need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.
International studentsCheck recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirementsAll students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.
The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:
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