Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation

Program summary

Program title: Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation
Award abbreviation: GCClimateChangeAdaptation
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus; on campus (intensive)
Duration: 6 months minimum full-time, 2 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or 2 (subject to enrolment numbers)
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
USC program code: SC508
CRICOS code: 063681D. 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.

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

A student entering the Graduate Certificate 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 climate change adaptation industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Health and Education.

Advanced standing

Advanced standing up to a maximum of 50 percent (24 units) will be offered to students with approval from the Dean. Prior learning, relevant work experience and overseas qualifications are recognised.

Enquiries

Associate Professor Shireen Fahey
Tel: +61 7 5459 4585
Email: sfahey@usc.edu.au

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

Program structure

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete the 4 required courses listed below.
• 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). Postgraduate students are expected to have a high level of English written and speaking skills.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan

Advanced courses (4)

4 required courses:

ENS310 Climate Change Adaptation
ENS314 Climatic and Hydrological Systems
ENS320 Introduction to Climate Change Mitigation
ENS717 Climate Change Project

Study Plan

This Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.

Year 1

• Four (4) required courses

Required courses (4)

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering