Program Requirements

The Master of Science Communication Outreach requires the completion of 48 units, which must consist of:

48 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

SCOM6007 Science Communication Project Design and Delivery (6 units)

SCOM6012 Science Communication and the Web (6 units)

SCOM6016 Science in the Media (6 units)

SCOM8004 Fieldwork Placement (24 units to be taken twice over consecutive semesters as 12 + 12)

SCOM8014 Communicating Science with the Public (6 units)

Capstone Courses

Study Options

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor Honours degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or international equivalent

• with an average GPA of at least 5/7, AND
• with at least 8 courses in cognate fields, AND
• with a successful assessment of suitability based on a supplementary form, two referee reports and interview/audition.

Application Information

• Applications can only be submitted directly to the University via the Apply Online portal
• Applications are due by August 31 each year for study the following year. If not all places are filled, a second application round may be run closing October 31. Late applications may be considered, contact graham.walker@anu.edu.au.
• A supplementary form and two referee reports are used in the selection of students – click here to access the forms. 
• An interview/audition is also used in the selection of students. Quotas apply.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.

Assessment of Qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, ANU will accept all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or international equivalents that meet or exceed the published admission requirements of our programs, provided all other admission requirements are also met. Where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will base assessment on the qualification that best meets the admission requirements for the program. Find out more about the Australian Qualifications Framework: www.aqf.edu.au

ANU uses a 7-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. All qualifications submitted for admission at ANU will be converted to this common scale, which will determine if an applicant meets our published admission requirements. Find out more about how a 7-point GPA is calculated for Australian universities: www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/tertiary-qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will calculate the GPA for each qualification separately. ANU will base assessment on the best GPA of all completed tertiary qualifications of the same level or higher.

Cognate Disciplines

Science, Engineering and Technology degrees including 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 and Education

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Employment Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to sample diverse careers at the interface of science and the community.

You could go on to join our graduates in roles such as presenting science-based TV and radio, writing for science publications; organising and performing in international events like the Edinburgh International Science Festival; managing social media for peak bodies, or communicating about health science and research for institutions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, apply and evaluate science communication strategies, with a particular focus on show and exhibition development for communicating to diverse, non-specialist audiences.
2. Appraise and reflect upon the interaction of interests, contexts and people shaping science, including the social and ethical responsibilities of science and society in the modern world
3. Work collaboratively and independently to apply cognitive, technical and creative skills in new and unfamiliar environments
4. Develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative research tools and strategies to investigate, justify and interpret science communication theories, methods and conclusions

Inherent Requirements

During this degree, students learn skills associated with science outreach activities. This includes: 

• Presenting interactive science shows, exhibitions and workshops for schools and the public
• Safely demonstrating hands-on science experiments and activities
• Monitoring activities for potential hazards and to identify participants’ needs

Students who cannot meet these requirements will not be able to pass compulsory assessment tasks and therefore will not be able to complete their degree.

During this degree, students must participate in work-integrated learning in the form of science outreach tours organised by our partner Questacon. In order to participate in the tours, students must be able to:

• Travel to, and stay in, regional and remote locations for outreach trips, each approximately 3-4 weeks in duration
• Obtain ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration and pass additional checks for other States and Territories as deemed appropriate by the Program Convenor

Students who cannot complete these requirements will not be able to participate in the work-integrated learning tours and therefore cannot complete their degree.

Students are also typically expected to contribute to the practical operation of the outreach tours by: 

• Assisting to set-up and pack down equipment
• Driving vehicles, which requires a current full or P2 driver's licence

Students who cannot meet these requirements will need to have an exemption approved by the program convenor. As this cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances, students are strongly encouraged to discuss their circumstances with the program convenor before submitting an application to the Master of Science Communication Outreach. 

Please see the trip information page  for more information and examples of adjustments that may help students meet the requirements.

Further Information

All students in the program who are Australian citizens or permanent residents are financially supported by a scholarship that is paid fortnightly throughout the program. This year the scholarship was valued at $380.00 per week. An additional travel allowance of $25 per day is paid when on mainstream tour and $30 per day when touring in remote regions. This is exempt from income tax. The exact scholarship value for next year is still to be determined.

Domestic students in this program will be granted a Commonwealth Supported Place. Visit the following website for further information: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/scholarships/graduate-commonwealth-supported-places .

Your enrolment is conditional on meeting the requirements of the Working With Vulnerable People Check. On a case by case basis (depending on the destination of tours), students will be required to complete and pass additional checks for further States and Territories as deemed appropriate by the Program Convener.