Master of Science Communication Research Project

Please note consent to enrol is required. Check that the correct class number is chosen for delivery mode (in-person, online) when enrolling. The Master of Science Communication Research Project involves a substantive investigation of an approved topic in science communication. Students devise their own science communication research project in collaboration with the supervisor, or can pursue a topic already offered by the supervisor. The project should be devised and conducted with journal publication in mind as the desired end goal. The course can be taken as 18 or 24 units completed within a single semester, or two consecutive semesters. Students will complete a minimum of 18 units in this course, but students who hope to use the Master of Science Communication program as a stepping stone to higher degree research are advised to complete a total of 24 units. The course convener can advise on this decision. - The 18-unit version of the course entails a research project with a significant original component, aspiring to professional-level data collection and analysis. The project chosen should not require ethics approval for a human participant element. - The 24-unit version of the course involves a research project as for the 18-unit version, plus compulsory research methods training. This training could involve completing specific, externally provided research training activities (such as the online courses offered by the Statistical Consulting Unit) to an acceptable standard, or completing a 4000 word literature review on relevant research methods to an acceptable standard, or similar. The research methods training is a hurdle requirement which doesn't contribute to the final mark, but has to be completed to pass the course. The course convener will set and assess this item, in consultation with the supervisor and student. Students must discuss their project ideas and study plan for this course with the course convener prior to enrolling in the course to ensure they enrol in the appropriate version and that an appropriate supervisor can be found.