Master of Sustainability Science (MSSC) - MSustSci

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Program focus

Modern environment and natural resource management requires the integration of social, environmental and economic research within an interdisciplinary planning and policy framework. It also requires a capacity to handle complexity and uncertainty and the application of different methods of analysis and different approaches to governance and community engagement. This coursework Masters program addresses these needs by providing important core studies and flexibility in choice of elective studies that will enhance their skills and knowledge in the emerging discipline of sustainability science.

Program aims

This coursework Masters program aims to provide environmental and resource managers and other professionals with appropriate formal instruction to enhance their skills and knowledge in the emerging discipline of sustainability science.

Program objectives

On completion of the program graduates will be able to:

• understand and apply the principles and approaches of sustainability

• integrate the scientific foundations for sustainable development through environmental, social and economic disciplines

• critically analyse multi-disciplinary information and data to provide informed decision-making in relation to resource management

• understand global environmental systems and their influence on sustainable practices

• critically assess emerging approaches to policy development and institutional arrangements to support sustainability

• identify and establish strong links between science, effective community engagement and sound policy

• demonstrate, through the breadth of their studies, an advanced understanding of issues, concepts and applications of sustainability science in environment and natural resource management

• manage complex decision-making in the face of risk and uncertainty

• advance their professional standing by incorporating contemporary scientific approaches to sustainable development.

Admission requirements

To be considered for entry, applicants must hold a three-year Bachelor’s degree from an Australian University or equivalent.

A formal process of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) will be used to assess applicants without Bachelor degrees, who wish to gain entry to the program on the basis of equivalent experience or qualifications. Applicants should contact the Program Coordinator if they wish to be assessed for admission on this basis.

International Applicants

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/EAP programs .

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly to USQ.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who reside outside Australia pay full tuition fees.
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The program contains five compulsory courses of one unit each and three elective courses. At least four units of courses in the program must be level 8. With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students may apply to vary their program on the basis of prior study.

Program completion requirements

To qualify for the award of Master of Sustainability Science, a candidate must complete eight courses as indicated within three years of first admission to the program.

Candidates who have completed the same or similar courses at USQ or similar courses at another institution may, with the approval of the Program Coordinator, apply to vary their program on the basis of prior study.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 4 years to complete this program.

IT requirements

Students should visit the USQ Recommended Hardware and Recommended Software sites to check that their computers are capable of running the appropriate software and versions of Internet web browsers and to check the minimum and recommended standards for software. Note that students in this program will require internet access.

Articulation

Holders of the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Science may articulate to the Master of Sustainability Science with further completion of CLI8204 and three other elective courses, as required by this program.

Exit points

Students may exit with the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Science on successful completion of the four compulsory courses as required by that program.

Exemptions

No exemptions will be granted towards this award. Candidates who have completed the same or similar courses at USQ or similar courses at another institution may, with the approval of the Program Coordinator, apply to vary their program on the basis of prior study.

Course transfers

Transfer of credit for completed USQ courses from incomplete programs to the Master of Sustainability Science program will be allowed in accordance with USQ regulations provided the courses in question are compatible with the requirements for the Master of Sustainability Science.

In this section:

• Recommended enrolment pattern - Part-time
• Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time

Recommended enrolment pattern - Part-time

Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time