University
University of Otago
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Science Communication
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Jul 2023
Campus
University of Otago
Summary
The Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) is a 180-point, coursework postgraduate degree. A candidate would normally be a graduate but the degree is also open to those with other relevant qualifications.
The MAppSc is designed for students who wish to pursue an interdisciplinary programme of study underpinned by science that delivers versatile skills relevant to multiple end-users. Optional paths are available that emphasise commercialisation, workplace-based projects or independent study.
Optional papers for particular interests
The MAppSc can be completed in 12 months or in stages, providing flexibility for recent graduates and those currently employed.
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.
What will I learn?
The four compulsory papers provide a background to communication theory, an understanding of the societal context within which science and science communication operate, as well as a whole host of practical skills such as film making, hosting public events and creative nonfiction writing.
These papers are:
MFCO 103 Introduction to Communication Studies
SCOM 109 Communicating Science: An Introduction
MFCO 222 Science, Technology and Society
SCOM 301 Science and the Public
An additional elective paper allows you to pursue more specialised interests, from the philosophy of science, to journalistic writing, to public health promotions.
Entry criteria
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
Every applicant shall have fulfilled one of the following conditions:
- be a graduate and have achieved an average grade of at least B in the relevant 300-level papers;
- have obtained a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science with an average grade of at least B;
- have equivalent alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.
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
- FCertEAP - Successful completion of the certificate with a B Grade
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