Example courses

• Applied Communication Project

  Students will undertake a project to demonstrate their theoretical and applied learning in communication studies. This may either take the form of a small research project using appropriate theories and method or an applied project demonstrating digital communication practice (e.g. design of a communication campaign or website). The medium of the project may be written or audio-visual. Topics require approval from the supervisor and course coordinator. Students will be supervised throughout the process, but may also undertake the project in conjunction with an external stakeholder.

• Contemporary Issues in Science, Environment and Technology

  Explore some of the most topical scientific, environmental and technological issues in society. You will learn about the science underpinning each issue, and consider the societal context, implications, and controversies. This online course encourages the development of scientific literacy, understanding of the complexities of science engagement and communication, and consideration of science within a wider societal context.

• Introduction to Communication Studies

  The course provides students with a foundation in the theoretical principles and practices of communication. It introduces theories of how communication shapes and responds to human relationships in different interpersonal, digital/online, organisational, bicultural and intercultural contexts. This includes critical reflection on how communication processes can reproduce or challenge power relations. The factors influencing the efficacy in communication in different situations will also be discussed and analysed. Theoretical learning is applied through oral, written and/or non-verbal/visual modes of communication.

• Principles of Science and Science Communication

  What is science, how is it conducted and communicated, and how does it sit alongside other knowledge systems? Explore the fundamentals of Western science, including scientific theory, methodology, culture and practice and consider how this worldview compares with Mātauranga Māori and other societal perspectives. You’ll be introduced to science communication theory and practice, learn some of the ways science is communicated to public audiences, and build your scientific literacy and understanding of the role of science in society.

• Science Communication

  Build your science communication knowledge and skills through exploration of science communication theory and practice. You will hear from science communication practitioners and learn to communicate science to non-science audiences through hands-on experience creating science communication outputs for different audiences, including opportunity to explore creative mediums from science writing and visual design to videos and podcasts.

• Science Communication Portfolio

  Expand your science communication theory and practice in this advanced course where you will create a multimedia portfolio exhibiting your skills in communicating science to diverse audiences. You will build your portfolio through a series of in-class sessions, including exploring different mediums and gaining practical hands-on skills, critiquing science communication and developing your own projects with the support of peer feedback workshops.

• Your Body, Your Data, Your World: Science in Everyday Life

  How does science materialise in our day to day lives? How does it interact with culture, political context, and economies? In this fully online course, you will learn from a range of experts about the science and technology that shape our everyday lives. We cover topics such as pain, big data and weather. We explore how these issues are represented in the media, and how the scientific is always also social.