Master of Science Communication

Our unique Masters program allows you to design your own science communication degree, tailoring your studies towards a range of science communication careers and broader scientific leadership roles. Students can specialise or diversify with science communication courses spanning media, popular culture, policy, health, online, politics, strategic communication, student-led initiatives, internships and research methods. You can also choose from two in-depth capstone experiences – Research Projects and Fieldwork Placements – to open career pathways into academia, research, industry and policy contexts, environmental communication, science centres, outreach and more. Students also have the option to take courses across ANU, and many courses are available online.

Learning from leading science communication researchers and practitioners, the program is ideal for:

• aspiring science communicators, current practitioners, and professionals working in science policy/public engagement
• leaders and managers in science wanting strategic communication skills
• researchers wanting to deepen their communication skills and knowledge
• scientists, teachers, journalists and media students/professionals wanting a new career trajectory and/or deeper science communication expertise
• those working globally in development-related fields with public/community engagement and communication elements (e.g. health, environment, and climate).

You’ll join a global group of over 600 alumni giving you networks to maximise your impact and opportunities. If you are looking for an introduction to the discipline or a shorter degree (which may be continued into this Masters), see the Graduate Certificate of Science Communication.

Find out more about science communication, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0

The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.

Cognate Disciplines: Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, Other Natural and Physical Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering and Related Technologies, Health, Education, Communication and Media

Ranking and English Proficiency: At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

In line with the University's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support

Employment Opportunities

The program is ideal for people interested in becoming professional science communicators in government, industry and the media, or in gaining skills in communicating their own science.

Many graduates have found careers as communications officers for scientific organisations such as CSIRO, science-oriented government departments, university departments and businesses.