Courses
CPAS offers world class undergraduate and postgraduate education in science communication.
Our teaching approach »
We have had time to reflect, to hear from you, to plan and to innovate. With this, we wanted to lay out our approach to teaching after COVID-19, driven by our focus on you as students.
Read moreAbout our courses
Our courses span the gamut of science communication knowledge, skills and theory. We cover key communication media, including news media, the web and social media, live presentations, fiction film and television, science centre exhibits, and more. We also explore diverse communication contexts, including situations of risk and controversy, cross-cultural exchange, policy environments, corporate and organisational communication, communicating with children, and more.
Our assessment tasks are innovative, research-led and practically-oriented, to equip you with the professional communication expertise you need in the workplace. Our students have the opportunity to produce real world science communication materials and events in many of our courses, giving you the edge in the science and communications job markets.
If you want to work as a professional communicator in a science-related field, or want to enhance your communication skills for working in the sciences, medicine or engineering, enrol in a SCOM course today!
Undergraduate
During semester
Running weekly through the ANU semesters.
Semester 1
- SCOM1001 Science Communication 1: Science and Public Awareness
- SCOM2031 Science, Risk and Ethics (not offered in 2024)
- SCOM2016 Science in the Media
- SCOM3003 Science Communication Research Project
- SCOM3027 Science Politics
Semester 2
- SCOM1002 Science Communication 2: Scientific Evidence and Social Change
- SCOM2015 Speaking of Science
- SCOM3003 Science Communication Research Project
- SCOM3032 Making Modern Science
- SCOM3033 Health Promotion Principles and Practice
Intensive
An intensive week of classes (dates in brackets), some with pre-reading, then assessed online over the following months. Check the individual course detail for delivery options.
SUMMER
- SCOM2003 Science in Popular Fiction (15 - 19 January 2024)
Winter
- SCOM3012 Science Communication and the Web (not offered in 2024)
- SCOM3007 Science Communication Project Design and Delivery (24 - 28 June 2024)
- SCOM2006 Science and Humour (8 - 12 July 2024, offered online)
- SCOM3029 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication (9 - 13 September 2024)
- SCOM3501 Strategies in Science Communication (2 - 6 September 2024)
You choose
Semester 1 or 2, Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring. Make your SCOM Major or Minor your own, by choosing your internship place and research topic.
Honours
The Science Communication Honours specialisation requires the completion of 48 units, which must consist of:
36 units from completion of:
12 units from completion of:
Masters
In person only
Some skills need the interpersonal experience. To get a head-start on your future science communication career, see CPAS’s work-integrated learning opportunities that can be part of your degree.
Semester 2
In person or online
Choose the delivery mode that suits you best – check the individual course detail for delivery options.
Semester 1
- SCOM6016 Science in the Media
- SCOM6027 Science Politics
- SCOM6031 Science, Risk and Ethics (not offered in 2024)
- SCOM8000 Science Communication Research Project
- SCOM8004 Science Communication Fieldwork Placement (placements at Mt Stromlo, Mulligans Flat Sanctuary, National Botanic Gardens, and Questacon)
- SCOM8014 Communicating Science with the Public
- SCOM8019 Research Methods in Science Communication
Semester 2
- SCOM6032 Making Modern Science
- SCOM8000 Science Communication Research Project
- SCOM8004 Science Communication Fieldwork Placement (placements at Mt Stromlo, Mulligans Flat Sanctuary, National Botanic Gardens, and Questacon)
- POPH6115 Health Promotion and Protection
Intensive
An intensive week of classes (dates in brackets), some with pre-reading, then assessed online over the following months. Check the individual course detail for delivery options.
Summer
- SCOM6003 Science in Popular Fiction (15 to 19 January 2024)
Autumn
- POGO8138 Science, Technology and Public Policy (not offered in 2024)
- SCOM6007 Science Communication Project Design and Delivery (24-28 June 2024)
Winter
- SCOM6006 Science and Humour (8 - 12 July 2024, offered online)
- SCOM6012 Science Communication and the Web (not offered in 2024)
- SCOM6029 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication (9-13 Sept 2024)
- SCOM6501 Strategies in Science Communication (2-6 Sept 2024)
- SCOM8088 Engagement for Policy Impact (1-5 July 2024)
Spring
There are no courses for Spring 2024.
You choose
Semester 1 or 2, Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring. Make your Masters your own, by choosing your internship place and research topic.