Be a frontrunner in the fight against climate change.
Climate change is increasingly seen as a major threat to the physical and biological health of the planet with long terms hazards and implications for many communities. This program looks deeply at the social, cultural, political and economic impact of climate change.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Climate change is increasingly seen as a major threat to the physical and biological health of the planet with long terms hazards and implications for many communities. This program looks deeply at the social, cultural, political and economic impact of climate change.
It focuses on people who live in areas where climatic conditions threaten water and food security, public health, public amenities, quality of life and living conditions. Through your research, develop an appreciation of international and national obligations and trends in the assessment and management of climate change.
Discover from this how to effectively examine complex agricultural, industrial, infrastructure and urban development proposals, using statutory and best practice processes, to meet the predicted impacts of climate 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
To be eligible for admission to Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research candidature, applicants 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, Education and Engineering. 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.
Refer also to the University’s English language requirements.
Admission is subject to availability of appropriate supervision and facilities.
Program coordinator
School of Science and Engineering Research Director
Dr Helen Fairweather
Tel: +61 7 5456 5564
Email: hfairwea@usc.edu.au
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
Program requirements and notes
- Prospective applicants wishing to undertake a Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- For further information, refer to the Higher Degrees by Research - Academic Policy.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Enrolment and fees
- Domestic candidates: Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are not required to pay tuition fees for the standard duration of their HDR program. The Australian Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) covers the cost of HDR tuition fees for these candidates. Research Master candidates are entitled to a maximum of two years full-time equivalent study. Candidates who do not complete their degree within the maximum RTS allowable completion times may be required to pay fees for any additional periods of enrolment. Please refer to Higher Degree by Research fees.
- International candidates: tuition fees apply. Refer to International HDR tuition fees.
- In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL.*
- In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL.*
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.