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 diploma 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 principles of effective science communication, develop practical skills necessary for effective science communication, and design strategies that address communication needs of groups such as government organisations, informal museums, science centres and research centres. Students select from options including work placement, media skills, learning technologies, displays and exhibits, interpretation and research methodologies.

Core units

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

And units chosen in consultation with the Course Co-ordinator to the value of 18 points from:

• COMM3317 Science Communication Practicum (Part 1) (3 points)
• COMM3318 Science Communication Practicum (Part 2) (3 points)
• COMM3322 Science Performance (6 points)
  
• COMM7402 Science Communication Specialist Research Topics (6 points)
• COMM7405 Informal Science Education (3 points)
• COMM7406 Visual Communication (3 points)
• COMM7702 Science Communication Displays and Exhibits (6 points)
• COMM7703 Science and the Media (6 points)
• COMM7704 Science Communication Learning Technologies (6 points)

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

Plus additional units to the value of 12 points from those listed above, or the list below.

• ANTH2239 Anthropology of Media (6 points)
• ASIA2212 Chinese Media and Society (6 points)
• EBUS2207 Electronic Communication Strategies (6 points)
• EURO2212 Communication and Culture - Survey (6 points)
• INMT2234 Information Systems Management (6 points)
• MKTG2203 Marketing Management (6 points)
• MKTG2204 Consumer Behaviour (6 points)
• MKTG2238 Advertising and Promotion (6 points)
• PHIL2270 Philosophy of Science (6 points)
• POLS2231 Politics of the Mass Media (6 points)
• VISA2214 Aesthetic Crossovers of Art and Science (6 points)
• VISA2249 Art and Life Manipulation (6 points)

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

Dr Nancy Longnecker, Co-ordinator, Science Communication Program
Phone: (+61 8) 6488 3926