Master of Climate Change Adaptation - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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.

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.

Intensive delivery

The Climate Change Adaptation programs are run in an intensive mode. Students should refer to the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering course schedule and the published timetables 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 a Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent, that includes a major study in a science discipline (with the major typically consituting at least one-third of the degree), from a recognised higher education institution or have completed the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation. 

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.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science Health Education and Engineering for program advice

Program structure

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete 12 courses as listed below.
• 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.
• 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.
• Postgraduate students are expected to have a high level of English written and speaking skills. Refer to the English language proficiency requirements.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan

Advanced courses (12)

12 required courses:
ENS703 Governance, Engagement and Capacity Building
ENS708 Advancement of Ecosystem Based Management
ENS712 Integrated Management A: Theory and Practice
ENS713 Integrated Management B: Practical Application
ENS717 Climate Change Project
ENS724 Coastal Systems Dynamics
ENS726 Climate Change Adaptation Barriers and Solutions
ENS727 Carbon & Biodiversity Markets
ENS728 Applied Climatic & Hydrological Systems
ENS729 Advanced Climate Change Mitigation
ENS744 Environmental, Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
ENS747 Marine Resource Management

Study Plan

When enrolling please refer to the relevent study plan for students commencing:

• Study Period 1
• Study Period 2
   

How to apply for a postgraduate program

• Confirm that you meet the postgraduate admission requirements below.
• Once you have decided on your degree, check the semester of offer on the program summary
• Refer to the application dates for cut-off dates and deadlines, and complete the appropriate application forms, if required
• To submit your application, refer to how to apply

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have questions about applications and admissions:

• 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

Am I eligible for admission to a postgraduate program?

USC makes admission offers for postgraduate programs to applicants who are judged to have a reasonable expectation of success in the program to which they are made an offer, in accordance with the Admissions – Academic Policy.

International applicants must meet specific entry requirements and apply directly to USC International.

To be eligible for admission as a domestic student to a postgraduate program at the University of the Sunshine Coast, an applicant needs to:

• have completed a bachelor degree from an Australian higher education institution or recognised equivalent. In addition, programs may have additional requirements including:
  • some prior study in a particular area
  • a minimum GPA in undergraduate study
  • particular work or professional experience
  • professional standing / recognition in, or membership of, a professional body
  With Graduate Certificate programs, alternative entry criteria may be specified such as:
  • formal study undertaken for awards at the sub-degree level;
  • programs provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities;
  • relevant professional registration or vocational experience; and
  • demonstrable expertise.
  Refer to the admission requirements in the program summary.
• Have satisfied the English language proficiency requirements. If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program.

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
• 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