If you want an exciting career that stimulates you, challenges you, and rewards you, then a postgraduate degree in science sets you on the right path.

This graduate certificate provides an avenue for further study under certain circumstances, if:

• You are ineligible for entry to Honours at UWA
• You want proceed to Master's candidature
• You want an advanced qualification in a specific area of expertise

Course outline:

Being able to transform scientific information into accessible, understandable knowledge for the public is the key business of a science communicator. Tasks include researching, writing and overseeing the production of publications, posters or brochures; preparing publicity material or media releases; designing exhibitions and displays; communicating with the media and delivering talks and presentations to the public.

Science communicators combine skills in written and verbal communication with their scientific knowledge, so they can bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public.

Students learn to design strategies that address communication needs of groups such as government organisations, informal museums, science centres and research centres.

Students select from options including media skills, learning technologies, displays and exhibits, interpretation, and a practicum.

Core units

• COMM7403 Science Communication - Community Presentations
• COMM7701 Science Communication - Writing
• COMM8303 Science Communication for Change in Industry and Community

Units to the value of 6 points chosen from the following:

• COMM3317 Science Communication Practicum (Part 1) (3 points)
• COMM3318 Science Communication Practicum (Part 2) (3 points)
• COMM3322 Science Performance
• COMM7402 Science Communication Specialist Research Topics
• COMM7405 Informal Science Education (3 points)
• COMM7406 Visual Communication (3 points)
• COMM7702 Science Communication - Displays and Exhibits
• COMM7703 Science and the Media
• COMM7704 Science Communication - Learning Technologies

Note: COMM3317 and COMM3318 must both be completed to fulfil the requirements of the unit.

Admission requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree of this University, or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty.

English Language Competence

All applicants for UWA coursework programs must demonstrate a minimum level of English Language Competence.

Course enquiries

Co-ordinator, Science Communication Program

Dr Nancy Longnecker

Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, WA 6009

Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 3926