The University of Western Australia
Future Students

Graduate Certificate in Science Communication

If you are passionate about science, creative and want to work with people, Science Communication is for you. The Graduate Certificate will allow you to build your skills in this area.

Introduction

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.

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Course description, features and facilities

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 written or oral presentations, science communication strategies, science and the media, learning technologies, displays and exhibits and interpretation.

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Structure

an approved course of study to a maximum value of 24 points
Key to availability of units:
S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2; S3 = summer teaching period; N/A = not available in 2013;
NS = non-standard teaching period; OS = offshore teaching period; * = to be advised

The course consists of units to a total value of 24 points comprising—

(a) all of the following units:

S1   SCOM5303  Communication Strategies for Change
S2   SCOM4403  Science Presentations
S1   SCOM4701  Science Writing

and

(b) one unit from below:

S1, S2, NS   SCOM5304  Science Communication Practicum
S1, S2   SCOM4402  Science Communication Specialist Research Topics
S1 & S2   SCOM5307  Evaluating Science Engagement
S1   SCOM5305  Science Performance
S2   SCOM5704  Learning Technologies
S2   SCOM5702  Exhibitions and Interpretation
S2   SCOM5703  Science and the Media

Career opportunities

Graduates will be able to work in any field of science communication, depending on their area of interest.

Related careers

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Further study opportunities

Students with a Graduate Certificate in Science Communication can pursue further studies by completing a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication or a Master of Science Communication (coursework).

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These pages are under review and are being updated.

Check the Entrance requirements

This course is available to Australian and international students.

On this page

  1. Admission Requirements
  2. English competency
  3. Advanced standing

Admission Requirements

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

English competency

Advanced standing

If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).

Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.

On this page

  1. Prerequisites
  2. English competency
  3. Advanced standing

Prerequisites

As a rule, international students must:

  • Have a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline (where required), completed to a sufficiently high standard;
  • Meet the specific prerequisites for the course. (Refer to admission requirements for this course)
  • Meet UWA's English language requirement.

English competency

All prospective international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements of the University.   The most common international examination used in applications is the IELTS (academic) and the University’s requirement is an overall score of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0) for most coursework courses.

Please refer to our English language competency requirements to see a list of other accepted examinations.  The University accepts a number of qualifications and any not listed will be considered on an individual basis. 

Advanced standing

Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).

These pages are under review and will be updated in early 2013.

How to apply

This course is available to Australian and international students.

On this page

  1. Application Deadlines
  2. How to apply
  3. Fees
  4. Contact details - admission information

Application Deadlines

Semester 1: 23 January
Semester 2: 26 June

How to apply

Submit a completed application form

Fees

Annual fee: $6486.

As some units vary in cost, the actual student contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.

Contact details - admission information

askUWA

On this page

  1. Application Deadlines
  2. How to apply
  3. Fees
  4. Contact details - admission information

Application Deadlines

While there are no strict application deadlines for the submission of international postgraduate coursework applications, prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply with sufficient time to allow for the processing of their application and to secure a student visa.

Postgraduate coursework applications generally take four weeks from receipt of an application to offer.

How to apply

International postgraduate applicants must complete the postgraduate application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.

Fees

$14690, per year.

This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.

Contact details - admission information

UWA International Centre (M352)

Address
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
Telephone
(+61 8) 6488 3939
Fax
(+61 8) 9382 4071
Contacts
International Centre
Enquire on-line
askUWA
Location
UWA Map
Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
About UWA
Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
Foundation and preparatory courses
There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
Social life on campus
There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.
These pages are under review and will be updated in early 2013.

askUWA - answers online anytime Prospects - online newsletter

Graduate Certificate in Science Communication: the details

Status
Available 2013
Locations offered
Crawley
Attendance types
Part-time, Full-time
Delivery mode
Internal
Starting dates
Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly first year time commitment
The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 46 hours per week (over 13 weeks) which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations
Standard full-time completion
1 semester
Maximum time to complete
2 years
Contact details: course information
Associate Professor Nancy Longnecker
Science Communication
nancy.longnecker@uwa.edu.au
Ask UWA
6488 3926
Course code
51240
CRICOS Code
051548G
Additional information

Footnote links and information

This page:

Last updated
Monday, 8 April, 2013 3:18 PM
Website feedback
webfeedback-fs@uwa.edu.au
Page ID
1597748