Study Science Communication at Otago
The science of stories. The stories of science.
Being a scientist today means not just navigating the world of research, but also integrating with the community, sharing knowledge and informing policy.
With a qualification in Science Communication, you’ll have the creative flair and practical tools to inspire wonder, nurture greater understanding of the natural world and empower meaningful action to address society’s greatest challenges.
Why study Science Communication?
Science communication is rapidly expanding as an academic field, with endless opportunities for meaningful careers connecting society with advances in the understanding and application of science and technology, as well as nurturing creativity and enjoyment of science.
Our department offers exciting opportunities for study at Otago. Taught entirely by distance, our asynchronous course is tailored to suit busy, working professionals.
The PGCertSciComm (3 papers) / PGDipSciComm (6 papers) can be done part-time or full-time as an “at-your-own-pace” programme.
We teach creative thinkers how to use stories to communicate the science they are most passionate about.
Internships
To enable students to develop their skills and interests further through real-world experience in a workplace environment, we offer a popular internship paper with a range of professional partners.
Producing creative works
In addition to an academic thesis, our students produce creative works that go into the public domain – be it a film, podcast, book, website, exhibition or any other creative endeavour involving the communication of scientific information.
Our graduates are well-connected with industry professionals and leave equipped with an advanced job-ready skillset as well as a deep theoretical understanding of our field.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication (PGCertSciComm)
A distance-taught, coursework programme, consisting of three papers that can be taken as full- or part-time study, suitable for busy, working professionals
Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication (PGDipSciComm)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme with a special focus on creative nonfiction science writing, taught entirely by distance
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
SCOM papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCOM419 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SCOM432 | 2025 | The Craft of Storytelling | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SCOM433 | 2025 | Science and Creative Non-Fiction Writing | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SCOM434 | 2025 | Science Communication Internship | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| SCOM439 | 2025 | Introduction to Science Communication | 20 points | Semester 1 |
SCCM papers
Sorry, no papers matching this subject were found.
Contacts
Email sciencecommunication@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/science-communication
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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