Please note consent to enrol is required. Check that the correct class number is chosen for delivery mode (in-person, online) when enrolling.
The Master of Science Communication Research Project involves a substantive investigation of an approved topic in science communication.
Students devise their own science communication research project in collaboration with the supervisor, or can pursue a topic already offered by the supervisor. The project should be devised and conducted with journal publication in mind as the desired end goal.
The course can be taken as 18 or 24 units completed within a single semester, or two consecutive semesters. Students will complete a minimum of 18 units in this course, but students who hope to use the Master of Science Communication program as a stepping stone to higher degree research are advised to complete a total of 24 units. The course convener can advise on this decision.
- The 18-unit version of the course entails a research project with a significant original component, aspiring to professional-level data collection and analysis. The project chosen should not require ethics approval for a human participant element.
- The 24-unit version of the course involves a research project as for the 18-unit version, plus compulsory research methods training. This training could involve completing specific, externally provided research training activities (such as the online courses offered by the Statistical Consulting Unit) to an acceptable standard, or completing a 4000 word literature review on relevant research methods to an acceptable standard, or similar. The research methods training is a hurdle requirement which doesn't contribute to the final mark, but has to be completed to pass the course. The course convener will set and assess this item, in consultation with the supervisor and student.
Students must discuss their project ideas and study plan for this course with the course convener prior to enrolling in the course to ensure they enrol in the appropriate version and that an appropriate supervisor can be found.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Plan, design and undertake a critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic.
- Identify and critically engage with relevant theory and concepts, relate these to the agreed upon methodologies evidence in order to draw well-supported conclusions.
- Engage in systematic discovery and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources.
- Appropriately apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data.
- Demonstrate understanding of, and adherence to, ethical standards in the collection, analysis and evaluation of data and other research materials.
- Communicate research concepts, processes and findings clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms.
- Develop original lines of inquiry and generate research questions that engage with, and have the potential to extend or critically reframe, existing scholarship.
- Critically evaluate the role of the researcher in the production of knowledge, demonstrating advanced reflexivity regarding the epistemological, methodological and ethical assumptions that shape research practice. Reflect on the situated, contingent and socially constructed nature of knowledge, including the influence of positionality and disciplinary frameworks on research processes and outcomes.
Other Information
A supervisor must also be available to take the project on: students are advised to speak to potential supervisors early to ensure this is possible. Prior to enrolment, students must have a confirmed supervisor and submit a project abstract to the convener.
The convener offers weekly catch-ups (60min) and two workshops (90min) in addition to an introductory session.
Indicative Assessment
- Report (80) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- Project Proposal (14) [LO 1,3,5,6,7,8]
- Reflective posts (6) [LO 6,8]
- For 24-unit version of course only: research methods training activity (hurdle requirement) (0) [LO 2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 130 hours, per 6 units of enrolment, of total student learning time made up of independent student research, reading and writing. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor and attend all supervisory meetings.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts. Links to all suggested readings will be provided through the Canvas site.
Preliminary Reading
N/A
Assumed Knowledge
Students are expected to have some experience in and knowledge of:
- social science or humanities research skills, including content analysis, textual analysis, discourse analysis and case studies methods.
- history, theory and principles of science communication.
- the practice of science communication, both written and verbal, as well as experience supporting this communication through props, visual aids, multimedia products, and so on.
- the design of science communication research projects, including framing research questions and choosing appropriate methods.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 to 24 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
| 7.00 | 0.14583 |
| 8.00 | 0.16667 |
| 9.00 | 0.18750 |
| 10.00 | 0.20833 |
| 11.00 | 0.22917 |
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
| 13.00 | 0.27083 |
| 14.00 | 0.29167 |
| 15.00 | 0.31250 |
| 16.00 | 0.33333 |
| 17.00 | 0.35417 |
| 18.00 | 0.37500 |
| 19.00 | 0.39583 |
| 20.00 | 0.41667 |
| 21.00 | 0.43750 |
| 22.00 | 0.45833 |
| 23.00 | 0.47917 |
| 24.00 | 0.50000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4416 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |
| 4426 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | Online | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9424 | 26 Jul 2027 | 02 Aug 2027 | 31 Aug 2027 | 29 Oct 2027 | In Person | N/A |
| 9431 | 26 Jul 2027 | 02 Aug 2027 | 31 Aug 2027 | 29 Oct 2027 | Online | N/A |