Academic Programs

Undergraduate courses in science communication

If you have not been to university yet, you can start gaining qualifications in science communication by studying courses within a science or arts degree at the ANU.  If you wish you can study for a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Science Communication.

Graduate Certificate in Science Communication 

The Graduate Certificate program normally involves one year of full-time study which can also be taken part-time. It is suitable for students who have graduated with a Science degree who want to extend their studies into the communication field. Entry to the Graduate Certificate program is available to those who hold a Bachelors degree. Admission will be considered on the basis of academic performance, referees' reports and if necessary, an interview with staff from the Centre. There is no research component in this program but students may apply to change to a Masters by coursework program at the end of the year. The program consists of four courses that combine theoretical and practical aspects of science communication. 

Graduate Diploma in Science Communication

The Graduate Diploma in Science Communication is an exciting, one year postgraduate program in communication for science, engineering and technology graduates. Students from Australia are offered a one-year scholarship to enable them to complete the program.  Jointly run by the Australian National University's Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, the program includes travel to regional areas of Australia, staffing the Shell Questacon Science Circus. If you have a science-related degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution and the ability to present science to a general audience in a creative way, you are eligible to apply. Please note that selected scholars will be required to have a current probational or full drivers licence at the time of enrolment and that a police records check will be undertaken.

Master of Science Communication

The Master of Science Communication is a coursework program that combines communication skills with theories of communication enabling graduates to communicate their science with a range of audiences. It has a research component in the form of a sub-thesis. Entry to the Masters program is available to suitably qualified candidates including those who hold a degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours (2A) or a pass degree and relevant work experience, or those who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Science Communication at Merit level or higher. Entry is also available to those candidates whose qualifications and experience are determined to be equivalent, or superior, to the above degrees. Students attend a series of courses on aspects of science communication and students gain practical training in science writing, web design, public speaking and media. 

Doctor or Master of Philosophy

Admission to either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) research degree requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science with Honours (2A) or equivalent, from a recognised tertiary institution. Entry is also available to those candidates whose qualifications and experience are determined to be equivalent, or superior, to the above degrees. Students investigate an issue relating to public awareness of science and devote their whole time to advanced study and research. Your work for a PhD or MPhil is assessed by thesis. This is evaluated by a minium of two examiners who have not been closely associated with supervising your work. The period of research for an MPhil is a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. The PhD candidate studies for between three and four years although as scholarships are for only three years, this may limit the duration for scholars. It is preferable for research students to reside in Canberra where possible. However, where circumstances allow, students living interstate can also undertake research studies.