Applications and Process [download application form from link at the bottom of this page]
Note: SCOM 406 (Communicating Science) is available to all graduate students at the University of Otago and students can enrol for that paper in the usual way right up until the start of classes.
Master of Science Communication (MSciComm) students
For the three streams of the MSciComm (ie Filmmaking, Writing and Popularizing Science) the following applies:
Each stream is limited to 12 students. Entry will be via a competitive process. Therefore, entry cannot be deferred and must be taken up in the year offered.
Selection Criteria:
Academic
A university degree – some preference may be given to those with degrees containing science, but it is not necessary for someone to have science in their backgrounds – only that they be committed to communicating science. As well as those with science degrees we have regularly taken students with backgrounds in the arts, art history, design, architecture, computing, medicine, film studies and veterinary science.
A minimum of a "B" average in 300 level papers
In exceptional circumstances, those without a degree but extensive industry experience may be considered
Background
Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated accomplishments in areas relevant to each stream.
Examples could include: filmmaking, photography, writing, or design.
References and Interview
References are needed from two independent referees.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by telephone or in person. The Board of Studies for the MSciComm reserves the right not to fill places if, in their view, there are not suitable candidates. The Board’s decision shall be final. Final acceptances will be decided at a meeting of the Board of Studies. Applicants will be notified by mail (and email where possible) of the outcome of their application.
Deadlines
The initial deadline for applications is 31 October.
Applicants should include a portfolio that contains the following:
• Science and Natural History Filmmaking: a portfolio indicative of their creative abilities plus a one-page story on an aspect of science that interests them, including their ideas on how they would communicate this story to a specified audience.
• Creative Nonfiction Writing: a short story (less than 1000 words) and a proposal for a nonfiction book.
• Popularising Science: examples of any written or photographic creative work, especially any published work. A brief written story (no more than 300 words) on a scientific topic (including natural history), with an indication of how you would communicate this story to either primary school children or visitors to a museum.
Successful applicants will be notified early in December.
There will be a second deadline of applications for any remaining places of 15 January.
This deadline is intended for New Zealand and Australian students (ie those not requiring visas). Other students may apply, however, but would need to satisfy the Board of Studies that a visa to study in New Zealand could be obtained in time.
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of January.
Note: All Students are encouraged to apply for the first round on 31 October as there is no guarantee that any places will remain open for the 15 January round.
Note: SCOM 406 (Communicating Science) is available to all graduate students at the University of Otago and students can enrol for that paper in the usual way right up until the start of classes.
Master of Science Communication (MSciComm) students
For the three streams of the MSciComm (ie Filmmaking, Writing and Popularizing Science) the following applies:
Each stream is limited to 12 students. Entry will be via a competitive process. Therefore, entry cannot be deferred and must be taken up in the year offered.
Selection Criteria:
Academic
A university degree – some preference may be given to those with degrees containing science, but it is not necessary for someone to have science in their backgrounds – only that they be committed to communicating science. As well as those with science degrees we have regularly taken students with backgrounds in the arts, art history, design, architecture, computing, medicine, film studies and veterinary science.
A minimum of a "B" average in 300 level papers
In exceptional circumstances, those without a degree but extensive industry experience may be considered
Background
Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated accomplishments in areas relevant to each stream.
Examples could include: filmmaking, photography, writing, or design.
References and Interview
References are needed from two independent referees.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by telephone or in person. The Board of Studies for the MSciComm reserves the right not to fill places if, in their view, there are not suitable candidates. The Board’s decision shall be final. Final acceptances will be decided at a meeting of the Board of Studies. Applicants will be notified by mail (and email where possible) of the outcome of their application.
Deadlines
The initial deadline for applications is 31 October.
Applicants should include a portfolio that contains the following:
• Science and Natural History Filmmaking: a portfolio indicative of their creative abilities plus a one-page story on an aspect of science that interests them, including their ideas on how they would communicate this story to a specified audience.
• Creative Nonfiction Writing: a short story (less than 1000 words) and a proposal for a nonfiction book.
• Popularising Science: examples of any written or photographic creative work, especially any published work. A brief written story (no more than 300 words) on a scientific topic (including natural history), with an indication of how you would communicate this story to either primary school children or visitors to a museum.
Successful applicants will be notified early in December.
There will be a second deadline of applications for any remaining places of 15 January.
This deadline is intended for New Zealand and Australian students (ie those not requiring visas). Other students may apply, however, but would need to satisfy the Board of Studies that a visa to study in New Zealand could be obtained in time.
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of January.
Note: All Students are encouraged to apply for the first round on 31 October as there is no guarantee that any places will remain open for the 15 January round.
Application form for MSciComm & PGDipNHFC