Master of Science Communication
Degree overview
How can we use social media to teach science? How do we engage diverse audiences about science? What is the contemporary role of science in the public? Answer all these questions and more with a Master of Science Communication.
With a combination of research and coursework, and being taught by some of Australia’s best science communicators – this course will give you the skills to go into an endless list of jobs. You will learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of science communication and suits people with interests in any science.
Key facts
What you'll learn
The Master of Science Communication is a coursework program with a research project and the option of an internship. Taught by some of Australia’s leading science communicators, the program combines theoretical and practical aspects of science communication, including courses on science in the media, science communication on the web, including social media, ethics, issues and consequences of science, science and public policy, and cross-cultural science communication.
Student experience
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.
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."
Virtual tour
Explore ANU science places, classrooms, laboratories and more through our interactive virtual tour.
Meet some of your teachers
Dr Will Grant
Will's research and writing has focused on the intersection of society, politics and science, looking at how the relationships between these are changing with new technologies. This has included conducting science to society dialogues on climate change futures, and the production of a documentary film on climate change communication.
Dr Merryn McKinnon
As a science communicator, Merryn regularly appears in the national media discussing interesting science topics from around the world. Merryn's research contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between science, media and publics. She conducts research which explores why publics react and respond to scientific issues the way they do in a variety of different disciplines including public health and conservation science.
Careers
The program is ideal for people interested in becoming professional science communication officers and managers, or in gaining skills in communicating their own science.
Many graduates have found careers as communication officers for scientific organisations such as the 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 2020. 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.
Little brother inspires big plans for ANU alumna
Science communication grad Sian launches Australia's first science workshops for students with intellectual disabilities.
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Featured scholarships: Featured scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
Watch the webinar
How to apply
Understand the entry requirements
- Check domestic admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Gather supporting documents
If you graduated from an Australian university, UAC will be able to access your results in most cases. However, you may be asked to provide transcripts or other documentation, so it is a good idea to prepare your records just in case.
You can still apply before you complete your bachelor degree if you are in your final year, and you must advise UAC in your application. You may need to provide a copy of your academic transcript directly to UAC as soon as you complete your degree. UAC will provide instructions during the application process.
Submit an application
Start your application on the Universities Admissions Centre website.
Receive an offer
All offers are made through UAC and are released on a rolling basis. You can access your offers and correspondence by logging into your UAC account.
Accept your offer
Once you receive an offer it is very important that you accept it to ensure your place at ANU is reserved.
Understand the entry requirements
- Check international admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
When you apply to ANU, you must be prepared to provide specific documents that we need to assess your application.
Submit your application
Start your application on the ANU Admissions website.
Receive an offer
You can apply at any time throughout the year. Most applications submitted before the 15th day of each month will be considered for an offer on the 1st day of the following month.
You can change your degree preference between the 9th and 15th day of each month. You will have two months to accept your offer from ANU.
View the application dates on the ANU Admissions website.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
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