University
University of Otago
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc) - Science Communication
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma
Duration
0.5 year
Next start date
Expected Jul 2023
Campus
University of Otago
Summary
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc) allows students to begin postgraduate study with a 60 point qualification from which they can later proceed to a Postgraduate Diploma or Master's degree.
This option allows students to maintain employment while gaining qualifications.
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.
The new minor in Science Communication introduces students to the theory and practice of effective science communication, including the tools to be a creative and powerful communicator in the modern world. It is designed to complement an existing major in either the humanities or the natural sciences and is composed of five papers – four compulsory and one elective.
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.
Structure of the Programme
The programme of study
a. shall consist of approved 400- and 500-level papers, to the value of 60 points, selected from the papers specified in Science Schedule D for the Master of Applied Science subject concerned.
b. shall normally include papers from more than one subject and at least one of the approved 400-level papers that shall be amongst the first papers taken in the programme of study.
c. may, with the approval of the Head of Department or Course Director concerned, include papers worth up to 20 points from 400-and 500-level papers other than those specified in Science Schedule D.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate for the certificate shall normally follow a programme of study for one semester of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
Entry criteria
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Science).
Every applicant must either
- be a graduate, or
- have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
English language requirements
- IELTS Academic - Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0). IELTS Online is also accepted.
- Internet-based TOEFL - Score of 90 with a minimum writing score of 21
- Paper-based TOEFL - score of 587 (TWE 4.5)
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) & Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Minimum of 176
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
- LanguageCert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
- NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
- University of Otago Language Centre ‘English for Otago’, English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes (EPAP) - Grade C or higher
- University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA) pathway programmes - Successful completion of the English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) with a B Grade
- University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP) - Successful completion of the certificate with a B Grade
- English NZ's Accredited Pathway Assessment - English NZ’s Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2).
Studying in NZ
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