Program summary

Program title: Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research
Award abbreviation: MClimateChangeAdaptation by Research
Degree type: higher degree by research
Study mode: internal, external
Duration: 1.5 years expected, 2 years maximum full-time; 3 years expected, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: students can apply and start throughout the year, subject to program requirements
Fee type 2011: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places 
USC program code: SC810
CRICOS code: 063014F

The Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research equips you, as a practitioner, to meet the professional challenges associated with climate change adaptation.

Internationally, 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. In developed and developing countries alike, environmental and natural resource managers are faced with the myriad of issues that arise from having to deal with the biophysical, socioeconomic and cultural complexities of the environment, and the multiple land uses and the ecological services offered.

Key concerns include 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 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 emerging field of climate change adaptation.

Through your research, develop an appreciation of international trends in the assessment and management of climate change. Learn to proactively address the implications of climatic and environmental change and the associated hazards and risks that apply to environmental and natural resources management. Gain a better understanding of international and national obligations and commitments to environmental assessment and management, as they relate to global warming and climate change. Enhance your skills using integrated adaptive assessment and management tools and techniques. And discover how to more effectively assess and manage complex agricultural, industrial, infrastructure and urban development proposals, using statutory and best-practice processes and procedures, to meet the predicted effects of climate and related environmental change.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for professional accreditation as an environmental practitioner with the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).

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 Honours Class 2 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 Honours Class 2 Division II 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.

International students need to refer to the University’s English language proficiency requirements.

Program structure

As a candidate you are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis. You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.

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

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 related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
4. Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
5. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
6. 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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