Undergraduate study
Find out how to incorporate science in society and science communication into your undergraduate studies and what you will learn.
The School of Science in Society offers a range of undergraduate study options, including a minor in Science in Society, a major and minor in Science Communication, and many of our courses can be taken as electives in almost any degree.
Science in Society
A minor in Science in Society enriches almost any course of study and we have students from across the University including Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology and Biodiversity, Geology, and Psychology.
The most challenging problems of our time arise at the interface of science and society. Climate change, gene editing, vaccine hesitancy, renewable energy, and big data all demand a critical perspective that couples scientific proficiency with a critical social consciousness. A Science in Society minor gives you the tools to unpack these issues—and do something about them.
Our courses feature experts from across the University, so that you learn to apply diverse perspectives to the issues of the day. We bring together insights from the natural sciences, mātauranga Māori, history, anthropology, psychology, and critical theory to look at complex problems from all angles. As well as learning about a range of real world problems and perspectives, you will develop persuasive writing and communication skills, and an ability to engage with multiple audiences.
This minor is available to students from all disciplines. A minor in Science in Society shows that you have scientific literacy, as well as a critical perspective and an understanding of the human complexities of science. Employers see our students as perceptive, analytic, as excellent communicators, and versatile thinkers. Because a Science in Society minor trains you to work across disciplines, you will be well-placed to find work in a variety of settings, including in communications, conservation, industry, and government.
The Science in Society minor only has one prescribed course. This means there is a lot of flexibility in which courses can contribute to the minor.
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To find out more about adding a science in society minor to your studies, contact:
Science Communication
Whether it’s the latest scientific breakthrough, a new climate change policy, or a global pandemic, society needs help accessing and understanding science. There is a growing demand for scientists, policy professionals, and science communicators to help meet this need. However, communicating scientific findings and advice requires a specialised skillset that combines communications and technical expertise.
Our major in science communication—the only one in New Zealand—equips students with scientific literacy, an understanding of the different approaches and challenges to communicating science, and an appreciation for the nuance of science.
You’ll learn science communication theory, acquire practical tools and techniques, and get hands-on experience designing science communication projects or events.
As a graduate you might work as a science writer, journalist, in science policy, or help communicate the work of research or non-profit organisations—or perhaps in marketing, museums, or research. Wherever your career leads you, you’ll take a range of sought-after skills, including a broad understanding of how science operates and the ability to communicate the many facets of society’s most pressing issues.
Major in Science Communication
The major in Science Communication can be taken as part of a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Communication. You must take a complementary major or minor from the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, or Bachelor of Psychology.
Minor in Science Communication
The minor in Science Communication can be taken as part of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Communication (BC).
- Bachelor of Communication (Science Communication minor)
- Bachelor of Science (Science Communication minor)
Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Science
Add to your existing qualification by studying a Graduate Certificate or Diploma with a specialisation in science communication.
- Graduate Certificate in Science (Science Communication)
- Graduate Diploma in Science (Science Communication)
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More information
Science in Society
We offer an undergraduate minor in Science in Society. This interdisciplinary minor encourages critical thinking about the role of science in society.
Science Communication
We offer Science Communication as an undergraduate major or minor in the Bachelor of Communication or Bachelor of Science.