Program summary

Program title: Master of Climate Change Adaptation
Award abbreviation: MClimateChangeAdaptation
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus (intensive)
Duration: 18 months minimum full-time, 6 years maximum part-time
Commence: Any time as applicable to individual student course timetable
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 12
USC program code: SC708
CRICOS code: 063013G
International students on a Student Visa - please be aware that some courses in this program require project work and/or independent study and therefore have limited on campus contact.  Please refer to individual course descriptions.

Highlights

• Learn to assess and manage climatically induced change
• Work towards accreditation as an environmental practitioner
• Intensive course delivery allows you to qualify faster

Proactively address the implications of climate change.

In this suite, you gain an in-depth understanding of the natural and human-induced factors responsible for the rapid rates of environmental and climate change. You examine the types of governance and community-based responses required to address the impacts and vulnerabilities, and acquire practical problem-solving skills in adaptive environmental assessment and integrated management systems.

The theoretical understanding and practical tools enable you, as a practitioner, to integrate best-practice vulnerability assessment tools and techniques effectively with nationally and internationally endorsed environmental management systems. The purpose is to mitigate unwanted effects of climate change and manage project outcomes to ensure continuous improvement in the environmental conditions and the sustainability of natural resources.

You acquire skills through a combination of lectures, readings, group discussions, practical projects and the use of interactive modelling tools. Your assessment is based on a combination of individual and group project tasks. Some classes use environmental simulation models to develop skills in problem definition, data and information manipulation, management and application. These tools support the preparation of vulnerability assessment documents and environmental management plans for environmental and natural resources management.

The Graduate Certificate consists of four courses and articulates into the 12-course Master of Climate Change Adaptation. If you enrol in the masters program, you may choose to exit after completing the first four courses with the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation and achieve a recognised qualification. Students must have completed all the requirements of the Graduate Certificate to be awarded this program. Subject to certain time conditions, you can return to upgrade your qualification later. Similarly, if you choose to exit the masters program after completing eight courses, you may be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Climate Change Adaptation. Students must have completed all the requirements of the Graduate Diploma to be awarded this program.  Please note that there is no direct entry into the Graduate Diploma.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Master of Climate Change Adaptation can work towards accreditation as an environmental practitioner from the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ), or equivalent overseas accreditation body. Completing the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation only contributes towards this accreditation.

Intensive delivery

The Climate Change Adaptation programs are run in an intensive mode. All 300-level courses are offered nominally during Semester 1 or 2 each year, but are also run in intensive session.  Students should refer to the Faculty of Science, Health and Education Course Schedule, as sessions can vary from year to year.

Courses require a student activity investment of 120 hours. Approximately 60 hours will be undertaken over 6–7 consecutive days on campus for lecture-based courses. In most cases, courses run from for a week including weekends for lecture-based courses. The remaining 60 hours is required for independent student-learning activities, both before and after the on-campus component which may include readings, exercises and the preparation of assessment items.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for entry into this program, a student entering the Masters program will normally be required to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution or have completed the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation. 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. 

The Graduate Diploma of Climate Change Adaptation will not be an entry point.  Students who are unable to complete the Masters of Climate Change Adaptation may exit the program via the Graduate Diploma of Climate Change Adaptation. Students must have completed all requirements of the Graduate Diploma program.

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 Climate Change Adaptation.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete 12 courses as listed below.
• Students may include a specialisation (4 nominated courses) in their degree.
• A specialisation must include one of 4 suites of courses, as listed below and maybe chosen as part of your electives.
• A specialisation must be recorded at Student Administration.
• Students who are unable to complete the Masters of Climate Change Adaptation may exit the program via the Graduate Diploma of Climate Change Adaptation. Students must have completed all requirements of the Graduate Diploma program.
• A total of 3 additional (up to 36 units) project based elective courses may be included in the Masters program.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• Some courses in this program require project work and/or independent study and therefore have limited on campus contact. Please refer to individual course outlines.
• International students must have the equivalent of an IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in all subtests). Post graduate Students are expected to have a high level of English written and speaking skills.

Program structure

Required courses: (6)

Required electives: (6)
Select 6 elective courses from:

Students who wish to include a Specialisation in their degree, must include one of the following suites of four courses in your selection courses. These courses are taken as part of your electives:

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Specialisation: (4 courses)

Required courses: (3)

PLUS select 1 elective course from:

Environmental Change Management Specialisation: (4 courses)

Required courses: (4)

TOTAL UNITS 144

Enquiries

Associate Professor Shireen Fahey
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5459 4858
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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