Program Requirements

The Graduate Certificate of Science Communication requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:

24 units from completion of courses from the following list:

POPH8115 – Health Promotion and Protection

SCOM6003 – Science in Popular Fiction

SCOM6006 –Science and Humour

SCOM6012 – Science Communication and the Web

SCOM6016 – Science in the Media

SCOM6027 – Science Politics

SCOM6029 – Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication

SCOM6030 – Science Dialogue Theory and Practice

SCOM6031 – Science, Risk and Ethics

SCOM6032 – Making Modern Science

SCOM6501 – Strategies in Science Communication

SCOM8014 – Communicating Science with the Public

SCOM8019 – Research Methods in Science Communication

SCOM8088 – Engagement for Policy Impact

Admission Requirements

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.

• Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7; or
• Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• 24 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 4/7; or
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE) General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• A minimum 5 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.

It can be used as an exit pathway by domestic and international students.

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.

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.0/7.0.

If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of applicants demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information: English Language Requirements for Admission 

Diversity factors

As Australia’s national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe.

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.

Program Indicative Fees

This program is only open to domestic students.

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for this program.

Indicative CSP fees $3,976

Students unsuccessful in securing a CSP can study as a DTF student. 

Domestic Tuition Fees (DTF) $16,420

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for this program are limited, competitive and awarded on academic merit. There is no application process for a CSP. All students commencing in Semester 2 2021 (including Winter and Spring sessions) will be ranked according to the GPA of the qualification used as the basis of admission.

For more information see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/hecs-help

Students unsuccessful in securing a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) can undertake the program as domestic tuition full fee (DTF) paying students.

For more information on Domestic Tuition fees click here . 

NOTE: Discounted Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) that were funded by the Government’s Higher Education Relief Packing in 2020 are no longer available. (Students who commenced in 2020 will continue in as standard CSP until 31/12/2021).

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.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative research tools and strategies to investigate, justify and interpret science communication theories, methods and conclusions.

2. Communicate science with diverse groups of people using different media.

3. 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;

4. Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Further Information

General program information

This program is a standalone qualification but can also be used as pathway to further postgraduate study. For detailed information on potential destination Masters programs offered by the Australian National University please check the Programs and Courses catalogue or, for quick links to programs offered by the College of Science visit https://science.anu.edu.au/study/masters

Please visit the ANU Programs & Courses catalogue to check class scheduling information and mode of delivery (online or in person).

Applicants should note that courses listed in the program requirements include Summer and Winter Session courses. When applying for admission, please ensure the correct admit term is selected.

This program is CRICOS registered for international students who intend to come to Australia to study. Students studying online from their country of residence are not eligible for an EcoE.

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Science Communication with a GPA of 5.00/7.00 will be eligible to apply for admission to a Master of Science Communication at the Australian National University.

Courses successfully completed in the Graduate Certificate of Science Communication may be credited towards a Master degree, where eligible.

Students wanting to complete this program in the second half of the year must apply for Winter session commencement.