Forested landscapes play a diverse and critical role in sustaining human and other biological communities. They provide wildlife habitat and biodiversity conservation, timber production for high-value products, clean water and other ecosystem services - and play a central role in mitigating rapid climate change.

The Master of Forest Ecosystem Science offers the knowledge, skills and analytical capabilities to shape the development of forest and natural resource management enterprises world-wide. You will learn about climate change science, water resource management and biodiversity conservation and develop the ability to conduct crucial experimental work in the field.

You will benefit from connections and experiences with forest, land and fire agencies and NGOs, and share the broad range of local and international working experiences and contacts of our academics and students. The Master of Forest Ecosystem Science will prepare you for management positions within the forest and natural resource management sectors.

One significant approach to tackling climate change is through the growth and sustainable management of trees and forests, which naturally remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as they grow and store the carbon in their wood, roots, leaves and bark, which contain around 50% carbon by dry weight.

- Plantations and Climate Change
Victorian Government
Department of Primary Industries

In undertaking this course, you will largely be situated at the Creswick campus, the southern hemisphere’s largest and best-equipped forest science teaching and research facility.

A qualification in Forest Ecosystem Science gives you the skills to play a key role in forest and environmental management; research and development; ecological consulting; timber management and processing; land-care and wildlife conservation; climate change science and policy; forest carbon investment and accounting; banking and other primary industry investment; and aid and development agencies in Australia and overseas.

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Course Structure

  • We offer you the flexibility to develop your own interests from a wide selection of subjects from across the University of Melbourne, or up to 25% from another university whilst developing essential skills and knowledge in forest ecosystem science.
  • We work with you to develop a course plan that meets both your professional goals and experience, providing advanced standing for any relevant prior university study.
  • Delivered in intensive residential mode at the Creswick campus, all the benefits of our expert teaching staff and the renowned resources of the University of Melbourne are available to you.
  • The program is taught by our most experienced teachers and leading scholars from across the university in collaboration with forest science educators and practitioners nationally and internationally.

Master of Forest Ecosystem Science
DURATION 2 years full time or part time equivalent
TEACHING MODE

Intensive residential mode at the Creswick Campus with supplementary off-campus study.

Download2013 Study Dates(pdf 78kb)

Note: International Students have visa requirements around study load. More information.
COMMENCING

You may commence at any time in the year.

Local students note: Allocation of Commonwealth Supported Places is usually conducted for students commencing in Semester 1 and Semester 2.

CONTENT 125 points of core discipline subjects including at least 25 points of project;
75 points of elective subjects
POINTS 200 credit points
PLACE TYPES Local students
  • Commonwealth Supported Place
  • Australian Fee Place
International Students
  • International Fee Place
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

An undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year or equivalent;

Or an undergraduate degree in any area including at least 25 points in one or more of Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Statistics, or equivalent, and with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year;

Or an undergraduate degree in any area and a Graduate Certificate in Environment with at least H3 (65%) average in the Certificate.
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS STUDY
  • Students with a 4 year Honours degree in a related discipline may be eligible for up to 50 points advanced standing
  • Students with a 4 year Forest Science (or equivalent) degree may be eligible for up to 100 points advanced standing.
APPLICATIONS DUE Local Students
  • Mid-November to commence studies at the start of the year
  • Applications may be submitted at any stage throughout the year
International Students
  • 31 October for study in following year
  • 30 April for study in Semester 2
HANDBOOK DETAILS MC-FRSTES Master of Forest Ecosystem Science
More information about Fees and Scholarships

HOW TO APPLY

Local StudentsInternational Students
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