Master of Science Communication Outreach

at Australian National University

Program Structure

The Master of Science Communication requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

A minimum of 24 units must come from the completion of 8000 level courses.

A minimum of 48 units must come from the completion of 6000- 8000 level courses from the subject area SCOM- Science Communication

The 96 units of courses must consist of:

6 units from completion of the following compulsory course:
 

• SCOM8014 Communicating Science with the Public (6 units)
   

And
 

Either a minimum of 18 units from completion of the following research course:
 

• SCOM8000 Master of Science Communication Research Project (which can be taken as a variable unit course multiple times over consecutive semesters)

Or 24 units from completion of courses from the following placement course:

• SCOM8004 Fieldwork Placement (which must be taken twice in two consecutive semesters or sessions 12+12 as part of one placement)
   

And
 

 A minimum of 24 units from the completion of further 6000- and 8000-level courses not previously taken from the subject area SCOM Science Communication:
 

• POPH6115 Health Promotion and Protection (6 units)

• SCOM6003 Science in Popular Fiction   (6 units)

• SCOM6004 Science Communication Internship   (6 units)

• SCOM6005 Special Topics in Science Communication   (6 units)

• SCOM6006 Science and Humour (6 units)

• SCOM6007 Science Communication Project Design and Delivery   (6 units)

• SCOM6012 Science Communication and the Web   (6 units)

• SCOM6015 Speaking of Science   (6 units)

• SCOM6016 Science in the Media   (6 units)

• SCOM6027 Science Politics   (6 units)

• SCOM6029 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication   (6 units)

• SCOM6030 Science Dialogue Theory and Practice   (6 units)

• SCOM6031 Science, Risk and Ethics   (6 units)

• SCOM6032 Making Modern Science   (6 units)

• SCOM6501 Strategies in Science Communication   (6 units)

• SCOM8000 Master of Science Communication Research Project   (6 units)

• SCOM8019 Research Methods in Science Communication (6 units)

• SCOM8088 Engagement for Policy Impact   (6 units)

A maximum of 24 units from completion of further courses offered by ANU

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0, with at least 8 courses in a cognate area. 

Or

With a least 10 years' work experience in a related field.

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0. 

However, applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. 

If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of: 
 

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or

• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency. 

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

Annual indicative fee for international students

$48,802

Employment Opportunities

The program is ideal for people interested in becoming professional science communicators in government, industry and the media, or in gaining skills in communicating their own science.

Many graduates have found careers as communications officers for scientific organisations such as CSIRO, science-oriented government departments, university departments and businesses.