• Program summary
• Program overview
• Program structure
• Admission requirements
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

Program title: Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research
Award abbreviation: MClimateChangeAdaptation by Research
Degree type: higher degree by research
Mode of study: internal, external
Duration: 1 year minimum, 2 years maximum full-time; 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: students can apply and start throughout the year, subject to program requirements
Fee type 2010: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places 
USC program code: SC810
CRICOS code: 063014F

Program overview

The Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research will equip practitioners to meet the professional challenges arising from the need to have a better understanding of a wide range of factors and in particular be better able, for example to:

• appreciate international trends in environmental assessment and management as applied to climate change
• better understand international and national obligations, commitments to environmental assessment and management as it relates to global warming and climate change
• utilise integrated adaptive assessment and management tools and techniques to achieve continuous improvement in environmental outcomes in response to the effects of accelerated climate change
• more effectively assess and manage complex agricultural, industrial, infrastructure and urban development proposals using statutory and best practice processes and procedures so as to meet the predicted effects of climate and related environmental change, and
• proactively address the implications of climatic and environmental change and the associated hazards and risks as they apply to environmental and natural resources management

Another outcome of the program is to provide current and new practitioners working in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation with a qualification of a standard that will meet the requirement for professional accreditation as environmental practitioners by the EIANZ.

Globally, climate change is increasingly being acknowledged as a major threat to the physical and biological integrity of the environment with long-term impacts on social and economic viability of communities. This threat is particularly important for people living in areas where changing climatic conditions threaten water and food security, public and environmental health, quality of life, living conditions and built infrastructure. Global warming and climate change has emerged as an area to be addressed by land use planners and environmental and natural resources managers in both the public and private sectors.

Land use planning outcomes and development pressures are major challenges being faced by environmental and natural resource managers. In developed and developing countries alike, these managers are faced with the myriad of issues that arise from having to deal with:

• the bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural complexities of the environment
• the multiple land uses and the ecological services offered by the environment

Particularly, key concerns by way of:

• assured water supply
• sustainable food production
• loss of environmental amenity
• public and environmental health, and
• the issues relating to sustainable levels of growth and development in the light of increasing population pressures

Compelling arguments have been presented that point to the fact that in the future policy decisions on land use planning outcomes must be informed by an understanding of the threats and risks arising from global warming, climatic variability and climate change. This gives rise to opportunities for research and research training in the field of climate change adaptation.

Program structure

Participants will clearly articulate, in the research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe. The research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives. The results of the research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures. The syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work. Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from the analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.

Collation of the research work by peer reviewed papers will mirror the structured approach outlined above. The research question will focus the theme to be pursued through the papers. The papers will be collated into a volume with an introductory chapter and a chapter containing conclusions and recommendations drawn from the published material.

Admission requirements 

Candidates for the award of Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research are normally required to hold a bachelors degree with at least second class Honours Division I or Division II from a recognised higher education institution.

Applicants who have completed a bachelors degree and have achieved by subsequent work and study a standard equivalent to at least second class honours Division 1 may also be considered. Entry by non-graduates who have relevant governmental or industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Health and Education. In exceptional cases applications may be considered on the basis of other evidence of general and professional qualifications as approved by the Research Degrees Committee.

Program requirements and notes

1. Prospective applicants wishing to undertake a MClimateChangeAdaptationRes will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
2. For further information, refer to the Research Masters Degrees - Governing Policy.
3. Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
4. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
5. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enrolment and fees

1. In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL. **
2. In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. **
3. The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
4. Candidates pay full tuition fees. For selected students these fees are covered by the Research Training Scheme. These scholarships are allocated by faculties, in consultation with the Research Degrees Committee.

** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL

Enquiries

Teaching and Research Services
Research Training Officer
Tel: +61 7 5459 4526
Fax: +61 7 5430 1177
Email: lkroker@usc.edu.au

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