NUS-ANU Joint M.Sc. in Science Communication

The Joint Master of Science Degree Programme in Science Communication was introduced by The Australian National University (ANU) and National University of Singapore (NUS) in January 2009.

Combining the competences of both universities, the programme targets science teachers in primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges in Singapore, as well as those in areas of education, policy-making and journalism.

The Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) is Australia’s oldest and most diverse academic science communication centre located at The Australian National University. CPAS is unique in its orientation to both applied and theoretical studies of the communication of science. Students receive solid theoretical grounding in communicating with the public, training in research methods and practical training in professional, effective science communication.

Objectives of the Programme

The NUS-ANU Joint M.Sc. in Science Communication aims to foster in its participants the skills necessary to:

• be competent, confident, effective communicators of science and technology to the general public and school-age audiences
• develop materials for effective communication to non-specific audiences
• propose and supervise project work and other scientific activities
• develop strong lifelong learning habits

The course can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two years with a maximum candidature of three years for full-time students and four years for part-time students. 

Full-time students may choose to spend one semester (February to June) at ANU and one semester (August to December) at NUS or read ANU modules via intensive mode at ANU Campus or via E-Learning mode.

Part-time students will complete the entire programme at NUS. Part-time students may read ANU modules via E-learning mode or attend week-long intensive modules at ANU campus.

All students can work on their research project concurrently with their modules or during the subsequent year.

Programme Requirements
Students have to fulfil the following conditions:

1. Read and pass the following 2 Essential modules (9 MCs)

• NUS Module: MW5201 Essentials of Science Communication (formerly Topics in Science Communication) (4 MCs)
• ANU Module: SCOM8014 (MW5152) Communicating Science with the Public (5 MCs)

2. Read and pass 1 Elective module from List A (4 MCs) and 3 Elective modules from List B (15 MCs)

List A:

• MW5202 Innovations in Science Teaching (4 MCs)
• MW5203 Frontier Topics in Science (4 MCs)

List B:

• SCOM6015 (MW5255) Speaking of Science (5 MCs)
• SCOM6003 (MW5258) Science in Popular Fiction (5 MCs)
• SCOM6007 (MW5253) Science Communication Project Design and Delivery (5 MCs)
• SCOM6012 (MW5271) Science Communication and the Web (5 MCs)
• SCOM6016 (MW5256) Science in the Media (5 MCs)
• SCOM6029 (MW5259) Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication (5 MCs)
• SCOM6030 (MW5272) Science Dialogue Theory and Practice (5 MCs)
• SCOM6032 (MW5273) Making Modern Science (5 MCs)
• SCOM6501 (MW5270) Strategies in Science Communication (5 MCs)
• SCOM6027 (MW5257) Science Politics (formerly Science and Public Policy) (5 MCs)
• SCOM6031 (MW5151) Science, Risk and Ethics (5 MCs)
• SCOM8088 (MW5252)  Engagement for Policy Impact (5 MCs)
• POPH8115 (MW5264) Health Promotion and Protection (5 MCs)

3. Complete a research project (MW5200) worth 12 MCs

4. Obtain an minimum Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of 3.00

Continuation and Graduation Requirements
Students must read and pass NUS and ANU modules worth 40 NUS modular credits (MCs), with a CAP (NUS) of 3.00 or its equivalent over their approved candidature period. Each ANU module is 6 ANU credits which is equivalent to 5 NUS modular credits.

Student’s CAP should not fall below 3.00 for two consecutive semesters. A student who fails to maintain the minimum CAP as stipulated will have his/her candidature terminated.

Applicants seeking admission to the course for the NUS-ANU Joint M.Sc. degree program in Science Communication must have a Bachelor degree in Science with Honours (or equivalent) from a reputable university.

Applicants from countries whose native tongue is not English should submit TOEFL/IELTS scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English Language.

The minimum requirement for TOEFL score is:

• Paper-Based Test : 580
• Internet-Based Test : 85 with at least 22 for the writing component and 18 in Speaking and 18 in Listening

The minimum requirement for IELTS score is 6.5 with at least 6 for each component.

Applicants should also ensure they meet the ANU English Language requirements before they submit their application.  

Applicants without an Honours degree in Science but with relevant working experience in Science Communication may be considered.

Dates
For more information on Application Dates, click here.

Fees
For more information on Fee, Scholarships and Finance matters, click here.

Faculty of Science, NUS
National University of Singapore
Block S16 Level 9, 6 Science Drive 2
Singapore 117546

Tel: +65 6516 7993 / +65 6516 8780
Email: scidrgs@nus.edu.sg