Tell it like it is!
Introduction
If you love science, are creative and want to work with people, Science Communication is for you.
Science communicators use their knowledge of science to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public and to facilitate discussion about important science issues.
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Course description, features and facilities
UWA is one of only two universities that offer undergraduate science communication programs in Australia. This major must be taken in conjunction with another science major, giving you both sound scientific knowledge and highly marketable communication skills. This major will teach you to communicate effectively with audiences ranging from children to scientists. Science Communication will provide you with experience in new media, written, oral and visual presentations, science performance and working with industry experts. Classes are generally a mixture of lecture and tutorial, complementing learned theory with discussions, demonstrations and collaborative group work. The course provides authentic learning experiences as you develop and refine a Science Communication portfolio, including writing, videos, podcasts, professional reports, presentations, exhibits, posters, websites and more. In your practicum, you are individually placed with an organisation that will enhance your networking and employment opportunities.
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Student profile
Student profile – Madeleine Gordon
Throughout high school I loved Human Biology, and knew that I wanted to continue my learning in that area; I also knew that I didn’t want to be in a lab all the time and that research wasn’t for me. This led me to take up my double major in Science Communication and Human Biology.
One of the fantastic things about Science Communication is that you have to complete it with another science major, so you can keep studying whatever else you are interested in then learn how to tell everyone about it! Throughout my degree I have created websites, movies and news articles, and last semester I worked with a national organisation to develop a communication strategy. Not only do I now have the knowledge of how to get my message out to the public, but I have gained hands on experience as well.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
As a Science Communication graduate you will be sought after by employers for your written and verbal communication skills. Your career could take any number of paths such as finding employment in science centres, museums, zoological and botanical gardens, environmental education, schools, research organisations including government agencies, non-government organisations, hospitals, industry and as journalists. Some graduates have been offered positions by the organisation that hosted their practicum placement.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students with a Science Communication major can pursue further studies at
honours level, Master of Science Communication or PhD. Other further study options include the Master of Science, Master of Science Communication and Education, and the Master of Teaching.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- Recommended subjects
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in at least WACE Mathematics 2C/2D
| 80 |
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies)
| 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
Recommended subjects
| Qualification and recommended subjects |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3A/3B
|
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Methods)
|
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
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
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
French Baccalaureat
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in GCE AS-level Mathematics. | 8 |
Chinese Gao Kao
A score of 80 (out of 150) or above in Mathematics | 525 |
German Abitur
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 3.17 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
International Baccalaureate
A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies) | 29 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 270 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 15.70 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 85 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
A grade of B6 or above in Mathematics; if you do not have Advanced Mathematics (I) or (II), you will be required to complete a mathematics unit in your first year. | 12 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
Mathematics units as specified in UWAFP prospectus | 66 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
A scaled mark of 50 or more in at least Mathematics 2C/2D | 63 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in H1-level Mathematics. | 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
A grade of 3 (40%) or above in Mathematics | 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Fees
$30980, 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.
Information for
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.
