Science communication

Master of Science Communication

Overview

Leadership and impact in science depend on communication

  • Technical scientific skills and knowledge are essential to modern science. But to really have impact in science and drive innovation, aspiring leaders need to know how to communicate and engage with the wide range of stakeholders - including funders, other research disciplines, policy makers and community groups - connected with any project.
  • “Our Master of Science Communication provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for this task, offering a unique combination of research, cutting edge coursework on a wide range of crucial science communication topics, and work-integrated learning opportunities with key science and science communication organisations. 
  • “The program is taught by some of Australia’s leading science communication researchers and practitioners, and can transform careers in science, advocacy, media and government.

For Australian domestic students, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program

Program handbook

Key facts

  • 2 years full time

  • Semester 1 (Feburary) & 2 (July) intake

  • #1 in Australia for graduate employability (Times Higher Education)

  • Commonwealth Supported Places available

  • Credit available for up to one year of previous study

Testimonials

Science%2520Communication_Skye%2520Zhu_forweb.jpg

Skye Zhu

“This program taught me has taught me to be more engaging in the way I communicate. Before, I would use lots of technical terms to show how much I knew about science. Now I use plain English so the audience can understand me, and I include stories to relate the science to their daily lives.”

Ellie and Nancy

Tiah Penny

I really value the balance between theory and practical learning in the Master of Science Communication. The placement with Mulligan's Flat has been a great experience to directly contribute to environmental science communication – spending time in nature, working alongside passionate people, and increasing awareness and appreciation of the Yellow Box Grassy Woodlands and its inhabitants with others. 10/10 experience!

Careers

Our Master of Science Communication can transform careers in science: leading to greater impact in the scientific world, or communicating science in the advocacy, media and policy sectors.

Many graduates have found careers as communication officers for scientific organisations such as The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), government departments, universities, businesses, NGOs, or in the media. Some have set up science media businesses or consultancy firms. Others work in centres for informal science learning across the world, such as science centres and museums.

The Master's research project provides an opportunity to produce assessment tailored to the needs of particular organisations or employment sectors, and most coursework assessment can also be tailored to students' interests, areas of expertise, and career ambitions.

The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2022. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.

Close up of someone holding a smartphone, sitting at a table with microphones and a notebook in front of them.

So you want to be a science writer?

ANU graduate Ellen Phiddian says her Master degree was “the most fun I’ve had in a single year – ever." Find out how it also led to her becoming a science journalist for the highly respected Cosmos magazine.

Read Ellen's story

Leading science communication centre

ANU was the first place in Australia to open a science communication centre. It prepares students to be leaders in science communication in Australia and internationally.

Read more

Work-integrated learning

Learn in authentic, real-world environments in partnership with some of Australia's leading science communication organisations.

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Global partnerships

We have links with science communication programs in universities across Australia, Europe and the Americas and with science centres on all continents including Asia and Africa.

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Learning experience

Three people testing a small parachute as part of a science experience

Get out of the classroom

Complete an internship as part of your degree and graduate with real-world science communication skills, professional networks, and pathways to employment.

Find out how
vanessa hill

Meet the YouTube science star with 30m viewers

Vanessa Hill, host of the PBS web series BrainCraft, says the Master of Science Communication turned her dreams into a blockbuster reality.

Read Vanessa's story

What is science communication?

“Basically, it’s how we get science from a discovery, in a great scientist’s mind, out of the lab and being used somewhere."

Meet Dr Will Grant

Fees & scholarships

Fees

Please visit the Programs and Courses website for information about fees.

View fees

Scholarships

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

Explore all ANU scholarships
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360 Virtual tours

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Convenors

Dr Graham Walker

Dr Graham Walker

Dr Graham Walker

Graham’s teaching, research and engagement works at the interface of science communication and informal STEM learning, emotion and motivation, international capacity building and co-development, and communication of social and environmental issues, particularly in settings like science centres, science shows and hands-on workshops.

How to apply

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the international postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

International postgraduate applications

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the domestic postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Domestic postgraduate applications
 

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