Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society)

NOTE: This course is in phase-out mode and is no longer accepting applications for admission.

Current students needing assistance with course planning for completion of the course requirements should contact the Arts & Music Student Centre.

The Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society) provides students with theoretical and practical skills in science communication and an advanced understanding of the social, ethical, political and human dimensions of public and community responses to science and technology. It is designed specifically for recent graduates and professionals who seek employment, or are employed, in areas of media, law, research, business or the public sector where the communication of scientific and technical knowledge is an essential component of their work. Graduate should be qualified to work as science communicators/knowledge brokers in diverse areas of employment. Students who discontinue the course after completing 50 points of History & Philosophy subjects may be eligible for the award of postgraduate certificate. Students who discontinue the course after completing 100 points of History & Philosophy subjects (including the thesis) may be eligible for the award of postgraduate diploma.

Students who successfully complete the MA (Science, Communication and Society) should:

• demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of communication and the role of the media;
• demonstrate theoretical and practical competence in the use of media and communication across cultures of expertise;
• engage in applied study and sustained analysis of aspects of communicating science and technology in different media and across cultural divides;
• demonstrate an informed awareness of the social, political and human dimensions involved in communication scientific and technical knowledge;
• demonstrate critical understanding of the public understanding of science, technology and risk;
• demonstrate an understanding of lay critiques, anxieties and resistance to scientific innovation and development;
• demonstrate an understanding of philosophical approaches to science's claims to truth, authority and certainty

100 point program - 100 points at graduate level:

• One compulsory subject
• Three optional HPS subjects at graduate level (compulsory requirement)
• Four additional optional subjects at graduate level

150 point program - Up to 50 points at level 4 and at least 100 points at graduate level:

• One compulsory subject
• Three optional HPS subjects (compulsory requirement)
• Eight additional optional subjects
• Seven of the Eleven optional subjects must be at graduate level

200 point program - Up to 100 points at 400-level and at least 100 points at graduate level:

• One compulsory subject
• Three optional HPS subjects (compulsory requirement)
• Twelve additional optional subjects
• Seven of the Fifteen optional subjects must be at graduate level

Compulsory subject:

Optional Subjects:

Asian Studies

History and Philosophy of Science & Social Theory

Philosophy

Media & Communications

Editing & Publishing

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria -

For the 200 point program
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects, or equivalent.

For the 150 point program
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least one year of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

For the 100 point program
• an honours degree in a cognate discipline with at least a H2B (70%), or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least two years of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Exit Awards

Students who complete 136-501: HPS Honours Thesis as well as 50 points of HPS (136-prefix) subjects from the list above but do not wish to continue into year two of the 200-point program may be eligible for the exit award of Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History and Philosophy of Science).

Students who wish to exit the program after completing 50 points of HPS subjects from the list above may be eligible for the exit award of Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (History and Philosophy of Science).

Students who successfully complete the MA (Science, Communication and Society) should:

• demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of communication and the role of the media;
• demonstrate theoretical and practical competence in the use of media and communication across cultures of expertise;
• engage in applied study and sustained analysis of aspects of communicating science and technology in different media and across cultural divides;
• demonstrate an informed awareness of the social, political and human dimensions involved in communication scientific and technical knowledge;
• demonstrate critical understanding of the public understanding of science, technology and risk;
• demonstrate an understanding of lay critiques, anxieties and resistance to scientific innovation and development;
• demonstrate an understanding of philosophical approaches to science's claims to truth, authority and certainty