Course summary
In addition to being the lungs of the Earth, forests must be effectively managed to balance the need for wood production, biodiversity conservation, water quality protection, carbon storage and many other issues.
The Master of Forest Science and Management gives you the opportunity to gain expertise for an industry that is key to the economic success of many countries, but which has numerous challenges associated with climate change, the commoditisation of forest products and land management.
You will study subjects aimed at problem solving and innovation for resource management, with a focus on the environmental science impacts of forestry. Strategic planning and management of forests and forest resources are both features of this course.
You will also have the opportunity to focus your research on a topic that you are passionate about, with the expert guidance of researchers who are world leaders in the field.
Graduates will have career opportunities in a range of fields related to plantation and natural forest management in Australia and around the world.
The course structure is flexible to accommodate students who are interested in operational forestry or those who wish to pursue a research career.
The course provides targeted forest science and management education and training. It includes studies in natural resource management, measuring trees and forests, fire ecology and management, plant physiology and ecology, wood science, forest operations, silviculture, forest health and pest management. Students undertake fieldwork in eucalypt forests, rainforests, plantation forests and on farms.
Students enrolled in the Masters course can also undertake a minor thesis, research project, or pilot study, and choose from a range of elective units including financial, strategic and project management. Of 16 units required for the degree, only four are required core units. The remainder can be chosen by the student in coordination with the course coordinator.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Demonstrate skills of critical analysis and application of scientific methods in forest science and management. Make decisions and exercise informed judgement in relation to native forest, plantation and agroforestry science and management |
| Creativity | Demonstrate imagination, initiative and enterprise in problem-solving. Respond creatively to intellectual, professional, environmental and social challenges. |
| Ethical practice | Evaluate issues with reference to sound ethical frameworks and sustainability. Demonstrate well-developed judgement on principles of social justice and professional standards |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of forest science and management. Apply disciplinary knowledge and skills in professional and community settings. Demonstrate knowledge in several sub-disciplines. |
| Lifelong learning | Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in self-managed learning. Critically reflect on practice. Demonstrate information literacy skills |
| Communication and social skills | Communicate clearly and coherently knowledge and ideas in forest science and management contexts. Collaborate effectively with stakeholders and academic, operational and technical workers. |
| Cultural competence | Demonstrate awareness and respect for cultural diversity and the relationship between people and the environment. |
Masters graduates qualify for automatic full membership of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.
Course overview
Course code
1207249
Course abbreviation
MForSc&Mgt
Credit points
192
Equivalent units
16
Domestic duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
International duration
2 years full-time
Availability details
Domestic
| Location | Session | UAC code | QTAC code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Domestic fees
International
| Location | Session | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | 1 | $29,200 ($3,650 per unit) | 068266A |
Course requirements
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
-
To be eligible for the award of Master of Forest Science and Management a candidate shall successfully complete not less than sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising:
- all units listed in Part A; and
- five (5) units from Part B; and
- five (5) units from Part C.
-
A candidate who while enrolled for a Master of Forest Science and Management:
- has successfully completed four (4) units comprising two (2) units from Part A and two (2) units from Part B may elect to be awarded the Graduate Certificate of Forest Science and Management following withdrawal from candidature for the Master Degree; or
- has successfully completed eight (8) units comprising four (4) units from Part A and four (4) units (48 credit points) from Part B may elect to be awarded the Graduate Diploma of Forest Science and Management following withdrawal from candidature for the Master Degree