Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
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 requirements
General entry requirements
A 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 students
You 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 students
Check recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirements
All 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:
About the provider
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.
Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.
The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.