Master of Science Communication

Program Overview

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Master of Science Communication

About the course

Learn the principles of effective science communication, develop practical skills necessary for effective science communication, and design strategies that address the communication needs of groups such as government organisations, informal museums, science centres and research centres.

Course Details

• Status: Available 2021
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: Please refer to the UWA Handbook
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 51580
• CRICOS code: J
• Full time/part time duration: 2 years
• Degrees course is available in: Master of Science Communication

Course Structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Conversion

• Students who have not completed prior tertiary studies in science communication including a minor in Science Communication, or equivalent, must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):
  • SCIE4403 Ethical Conduct and Communication in Science (6)
  • SCOM2205 Science Presentations (6)
  • SCOM2208 Science Writing (6)
  • SCOM3319 Exhibitions and Interpretation (6)

Core

• Take all units (36 points):
  • COMM5704 Global Media and Cross-cultural Communication (6)
  • POLS5501 The Politics of Public Policy (6)
  • SCIE5004 Professional Skills in Science (6)
  • SCOM4402 Synthesising Research Literature: Reviewing, Analysing, and Reporting (6)
  • SCOM5309 Citizen Science (6)
  • SCOM5311 Science and Society (6)

Core

• Take one unit to the value of 6 points from this group (6 points):
  • SCIE5304 Science Practicum (6)
  • SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship (6)

Option

• For students in course by coursework and dissertation only, take all units (30 points):
  • SCOM5810 Science Communication Dissertation Part 1 (6)
  • SCOM5811 Science Communication Dissertation Part 2 (6)
  • SCOM5812 Science Communication Dissertation Part 3 (6)
  • SCOM5813 Science Communication Dissertation Part 4 (6)
  • SOCS4100 Social Sciences Research Skills (6)

Option

• For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 30 points.
  • COMM5605 Issues in Global Journalism and Strategic Communication (6)
  • COMM5701 Strategic Communications in a Digital Era (6)
  • COMM5702 Digital Media: Theory and Practice (6)
  • COMM5705 Representation and Promotion (6)
  • EDUC5608 Integrating Pedagogy and Technology (6)
  • EDUC5636 Assessment, Data and Learning (6)
  • EDUC5658 Globalising Education Policy (6)
  • POLS5010 NGOs, Governance and Development (6)
  • PUBH5749 Foundations of Public Health (6)
  • PUBH5754 Health Promotion I (6)
  • PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods in Health (6)
  • SCIE4481 Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science (6)
  • SCOM4402 Synthesising Research Literature: Reviewing, Analysing, and Reporting (6)

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

• (a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
• (b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

English Competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

• Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

Domestic Student Fees for Full-Fee Paying Places

If you're not eligible for a Commonwealth-supported places, you will be charged a for Full-Fee Paying place. For Full-Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

• 2025: $48,000.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Careers and Further Study

Career Pathways

Our graduates work in communication and engagement roles for museums, zoos, government, universities, media, charities, research groups, resource management, and public health.

Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.