Program summary

Program title: Graduate Diploma in Environmental Change Management
Award abbreviation: GDEnvChangeMgt
Degree type: coursework
Model of study: on campus
Duration: 1 year minimum full-time, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2 (subject to enrolment numbers)
Fee type 2010: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 8
USC program code: SC604
CRICOS code: 063005G

Program overview

The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Change Management comprises courses equalling 96 units. The courses will be run in intensive mode and the actual scheduling of the individual courses will depend on student demand and numbers. While all courses are offered nominally in Semester 1 and 2 each year, courses could also be conducted during the summer and mid-year breaks, as demand requires.

The program will provide:

• An in-depth understanding of the natural and human-induced forcing factors that are responsible for the rapid rates of environmental and climate change, and the types of governance and community based responses required to address the impacts, vulnerabilities and implications of these changes on physical, biological, social, economic and cultural environmental conditions.
• Professional development in the field of Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Management Plans and Environmental Management Systems for practitioners with practical skills in problem solving as related to adaptive environmental assessment and integrated management. Such skills will be acquired through a combination of face-to-face teaching and practical projects. Training sessions will utilise environmental simulation models to practice students in problem definition, data and information manipulation, management and application. These tools will be used to support the preparation of EA/EIS documents and with environmental management system/plan preparation.
• Environmental assessment and management practitioners with the theoretical understanding and practical tools to enable practitioners to more effectively integrate best practice environmental impact assessment tools and techniques with nationally and internationally endorsed environmental management systems. Such tools, techniques and systems are designed to mitigate unwanted effects and manage the outcomes of the implementation of project implantation in ways that ensure continuous improvement.

Skills will be acquired through a combination of lectures, readings, group discussions, practical projects and use of interactive modelling tools. Participants in the program will be assessed by a combination of individual and group project tasks.

Learning outcomes

On completion of courses under the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Change Management participants in the professional development education and training program will be well equipped to meet existing and emerging professional challenges and be able to:

• follow international trends in environmental assessment and management 
• better understand international and national obligations for environmental assessment and management
• use integrated adaptive assessment and management tools and techniques to achieve continuous improvement in environmental outcomes 
• more effectively assess and manage complex industrial, infrastructure and urban development proposals using statutory and best practice processes and procedures

Admission requirements

To be eligible for entry into this program, a student entering the Diploma program will normally be required to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Health and Education.

International students need to refer to the English language requirements.

Only a full-time study option is available to international students.

Advanced standing

Advanced standing up to a maximum of 50 percent (48 units) will be offered to students with approval from the Dean. Prior learning, relevant work experience and overseas qualifications are recognised.

Full credit will be given for courses undertaken in the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Change Management.

Program structure

Please note these courses are often run outside the normal Semester dates as intensive courses in Sessions. Please refer to the Faculty of Science, Health and Education course schedule for further information.

OR
Select 1 of the above 12-unit courses AND
1 x 12-unit course having a focus in your chosen area of interest (ie the following areas) by approval of the Program Leader:

• Communication Studies
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Justice Studies
• Property and Asset Management
• Regional and Urban Planning
• Sustainability
• Sociology

Program requirements and notes

1. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
2. Refer to explanation of terms.
3. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
4. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
5. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.

Enquiries 

Dr Shireen Fahey
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 1141
Email: sfahey@usc.edu.au

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

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