Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication

• Overview
• Contact details
• Subject area
• Programme requirements
• Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)

Applications for this general qualification are now being accepted for 2023. While we are still teaching filmmaking, writing, and engagement with society, the following endorsements are not offered from 2023: Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science, Science and Natural History Filmmaking, and Science in Society, as they are in the process of being discontinued.

Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm) caters for a range of students – those with no prior experience in science communication who want an introduction to the discipline as well as those who are already professional science communicators and have a desire to fill a skills gap or increase their understanding of the science of science communication.

The PGCertSciComm can be taken full-time in one semester or part-time over a longer period.

Distance or on-campus papers

You can choose to take all of the papers on campus or substitute specific distance papers for on-campus papers.

This means that you can complete the PGCertSciComm either:

• all on campus
• all by distance, or
• by a combination of on-campus and distance papers.

See the programme requirements table below for the paper options.

Contact details

Department of Science Communication

Email [email protected]
Web otago.ac.nz/science-communication

Subject area

Science Communication

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Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)

1. Admission to the Programme

   1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Sciences), on the advice of the Head of the Department of Science Communication.
   2. Every applicant shall either
      1. have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Science; or
      2. have alternative qualifications acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

2. Structure of the Programme

   Every programme of study shall be as prescribed in the PGCertSciComm Schedule.

3. Duration of the Programme

   1. The programme may be taken by full-time candidates in one semester.
   2. A candidate shall satisfy the requirements for the certificate within two years of admission to the programme.

   3. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

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Entrance requirements for postgraduate study vary by programme with most requiring a minimum bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having additional requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand. 

A postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma can usually be taken at any time after the completion of your bachelor's degree.

If you hold an honours degree or postgraduate diploma you may be able to eligible for master’s study by thesis only. In some cases if you hold a bachelor’s degree you may apply for a coursework master’s degree or for master’s study by coursework and thesis.

To study a PhD you usually require the completion of a master’s degree, or a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in the same area of study, or a related discipline, as your intended area of research.

Check the postgraduate students pages for specific information on the entrance requirements of the programme you are interested in.

If your first language is not English you need to show you meet our English language requirements

• Step 1 – Select your course or programme
• Step 2 –  Check entry requirements and deadlines
• Step 3 – Apply online
• Step 4 – Submit your application
  
• Step 5 – Accept your Offer of Place