Graduate Environmental Program >

07
The University of Melbourne signed the
Talloires Declaration in 2002.
By joining 300 other institutions of higher education
from around the world, we affirmed the importance
of the environment as a foundation of our education
and practice. By acting on the Talloires Declaration, we
can do our part as an academic institution to achieve a
sustainable society.
We, the presidents, rectors, and vice chancellors of
universities from all regions of the world are deeply
concerned about the unprecedented scale and speed
of environmental pollution and degradation, and the
depletion of natural resources.
We, therefore, agree to take the following actions:
1 increase awareness of environmentally
sustainable development;
2 create an institutional culture of sustainability;
3 educate for environmentally responsible
citizenship;
4 foster environmental literacy for all;
5 practice institutional ecology;
6 involve all stakeholders;
7 collaborate for interdisciplinary approaches;
8 enhance capacity of primary and secondary
schools;
9 service and outreach nationally and
internationally; and
10 maintain the movement.
For the complete text of the Talloires Declaration,
please visit:
www.ulsf.org/programs_talloires_td.html
The Talloires Declaration >
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become an
ambassador for
your environment
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Welcome and congratulations picking
up this handbook is the first step towards
transforming your thinking, transforming your
life, and becoming an ambassador for the
environment.
Over 200 graduates have already passed successfully
through the program we offer, and are making a
difference in their homes, communities and industries.
They are making a difference to the environment and
improving the future of the planet.
Our ambassadors have come from many different
backgrounds and life experiences, but are united
in their desire for environmental sustainability.
They contribute through their knowledge in
engineering, science, social science, business and
economics, architecture, information technology, law,
communication, agriculture
Whatever your discipline background, you, too, can
learn more and contribute.
The Graduate Environmental Program (GEP) is unique.
It crosses ten faculties and allows you access to a
wide range of excellent subjects involving more than
100 academics. These academics have committed
their passion and knowledge to furthering education in
environmental sustainability through the Program. For
you it means enhancement, extension, and learning
with other people as committed to sustainability as
you are learning with other people as passionate
about the possibilities of the future.
For professionals working in all areas, career-
advancement depends upon keeping up with the
state-of-play and showing that you are sufficiently
motivated to keep on learning. Postgraduate
qualifications are a great way to show commitment
and motivation they have global currency.
The GEP provides a broad, flexible curriculum,
providing leading edge ideas on managing and
improving the environment, both natural and built.
In all employment sectors there is an increasing
demand for people with environmental expertise,
particularly those with the ability to sort fact from
fiction, analyse words and data, and assess risk and
impact at a high level. The GEP will build on the
knowledge you gained in your first degree, enhancing
and broadening your perspective.
It is multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary.
It is unique.
The Office for Environmental Programs, and the
University of Melbourne, welcomes you and affirms
your decision to find out more about the GEP. By
enrolling in this program you are taking a positive step
for your future, and for the planet. You will be part
of the movement people defining the future - and
together we can make a difference.
Jacqueline S. Rowarth
CRSNZ FNZIAS
Associate Professor and Reader
Director, Office for Environmental Programs
Welcome >
Graduate Environmental Program people >
The GEP is supported by key academics
within the University.
Professor Peter McPhee
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Professor John McKenzie
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Professor Frank Larkins
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International)
Professor Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and
Development)
Professor Barbara Evans
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Training)
And by the Deputy Directors of the Office for
Environmental Programs:
Professor Mark Burgman
Faculty of Science
Dr Mike Connor
Faculty of Engineering
Dr Sherie McClam
Faculty of Education
The Office for Environmental Programs.
The Office for Environmental Programs (OEP) is
the first stop for GEP students. The Office is part
of the School of Graduate Studies, and is located in
the centre of campus. The OEP is dedicated to the
management of the GEP and to fostering greater
cooperation in environmental research and teaching
across the University.
Staff at the Office for Environmental Programs are:
Associate Professor Jacqueline Rowarth
Director
Dr Helen Duckham / Ms Louise Wilson
Managers
Ms Felicity Wilmot
Administrative Officer
Telephone: +61 3 8344 5073 or +61 3 8344 4773
Email: query-environment.unimelb.edu.au
www.environment.unimelb.edu.au
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The OEP is a central hub for GEP activities,
including orientation, seminars and social events. It
coordinates the GEP subjects which operate from
ten University faculties. In addition, if you have an
administrative query, want to do a research project,
need a job reference, or simply want to chat about
your studies, OEP staff will do their best to help
you or find someone who can.
For academic advice and information, the OEP has
GEP representatives in each participating faculty.
These faculty advisors are best placed to provide
you with details about particular subjects, paths
of study or areas of interest. In addition, stream
coordinators oversee the content and structure of
specialist streams and can also provide academic
advice.
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The Graduate Environmental Program (GEP)
offers a transdisciplinary, flexible program
with a difference.
Transdisciplinary
Te GEP
brings together expertise in environmental research
and teaching from across the full spectrum of
academic traditions
pioneers the exploration of political, social, scientic,
technical and economic factors and institutions
that shape environmental problems and their
management
provides a broad knowledge base from which
graduates can contribute constructively to business,
government, industry and social life.
offers core subjects which focus on the full
spectrum of factors that underlie environmental
solutions, encouraging you to look for solutions by
working in multi-disciplinary syndicates.
Flexible
You can create an educational program that is
customised to your particular needs and career
aspirations.
Choose from over 150 subjects available from within
10 collaborating Faculties across the University.
Academic advisors and coordinators offer advice and
information about individual subjects, specialised
path of study, the tailored program and related
professional prospects.
Industry based specialist paths of study have
been designed to help you get the most out of the
GEP: Public Health; Conservation, Restoration and
Landscape Management; Energy Studies; Waste
Management; Integrated Catchment Management;
Development; Education; Governance, Policy and
Communication; and Sustainable Cities, Sustainable
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Regions. Or you can tailor your own course under the
guidance of your academic advisor.
Real world connections
The Community Industry Advisory Board, in
collaboration with GEP academics, ensures students
obtain a rm foundation in appropriate scientic and
technical methods.
Industry-based streams encompass social and
environmental assessment of impacts on human
health and ecological systems and aim to provide
an understanding of the fundamentals of impact
assessment, risk assessment, qualitative and
quantitative analysis, economic strategies, policy and
planning.
Inter-sectoral cooperation assists students seeking
environmental opportunities and employment
Knowledge transfer
Broadened horizons through attendance at regular
multi-disciplinary seminars and discussion fora.
Exposure to the latest in environmental research and
industry thinking via guest speakers from across the
the world.
GEP activities are reported to the wider community
through the bi-annual magazine BeyondEP.
Research opportunities
Master of Environment students may have the
opportunity to undertake research into real-life
problems through industry projects, internships or
research subjects (950-611, 950-612, 950-613 and
950-614) which span either one semester or a full
academic year.
Develop a deeper understanding of issues relevant to
your career or area of environmental interest.
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What makes this program unique? >
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The Graduate Environmental Program (GEP)
offers a transdisciplinary, flexible program
with a difference.
Transdisciplinary
The GEP
brings together expertise in environmental research
and teaching from across the full spectrum of
academic traditions
pioneers the exploration of political, social, scientic,
technical and economic factors and institutions
that shape environmental problems and their
management
provides a broad knowledge base from which
graduates can contribute constructively to business,
government, industry and social life
offers core subjects which focus on the full
spectrum of factors that underlie environmental
solutions, encouraging you to look for solutions by
working in multi-disciplinary syndicates.
Real world connections
The Community Industry Advisory Board, in
collaboration with GEP academics, ensures students
obtain a rm foundation in appropriate scientic and
technical methods.
Industry-based streams encompass social and
environmental assessment of impacts on human
health and ecological systems and aim to provide
an understanding of the fundamentals of impact
assessment, risk assessment, qualitative and
quantitative analysis, economic strategies, policy and
planning.
Inter-sectoral cooperation assists students seeking
environmental opportunities and employment
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Flexible
From the foundation of your rst degree, you can
create an educational program that is customised to
your particular needs and career aspirations.
Choose from over 160 subjects available from within
10 collaborating faculties across the University.
Academic advisors and coordinators offer advice and
information about individual subjects, specialised
paths of study, the tailored program and related
professional prospects.
Industry-based specialist paths of study have
been designed to help you get the most out of the
GEP: Public Health; Conservation, Restoration and
Landscape Management; Energy Studies; Waste
Management; Integrated Catchment Management;
Development; Education; Governance, Policy and
Communication; and Sustainable Cities, Sustainable
Regions. Or you can tailor your own course under the
guidance of your academic advisor.
Knowledge transfer
Broadened horizons through attendance at regular
multi-disciplinary seminars and discussion fora.
Exposure to the latest in environmental research and
industry thinking via guest speakers from across the
the world.
GEP activities are reported to the wider community
through the biannual magazine BeyondEP.
Research opportunities
Master of Environment students may have the
opportunity to undertake research into real-life
problems through industry projects, internships or
research subjects (950-611, 950-612, 950-613 and
950-614) which span either one semester or a full
academic year.
Develop a deeper understanding of issues relevant to
your career or area of environmental interest.
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Real world connections >
As graduates and professionals, students
will need a broad understanding of the
complex interaction between commercial
and community needs that create societys
environmental challenges.
Community and Industry Advisory Board
The Community and Industry Advisory Board (CIAB)
forms the bridge between the GEP and real-world
trends in environmental research, education, policy
and practice. Members represent a variety of interests
and areas of expertise; all have a strong commitment
to social responsibility and the environment.
Community and Industry Advisory Board Members
Professor John Zillman, AO, PhD [Chair of CIAB]
Director, Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology
Professor John Lovering, AO, PhD
Environmental Conservation Council (Victoria)
Professor Barbara Evans, BSc, PhD
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Training), University of
Melbourne
Mr Alex Arbuthnot, AM
Director, Landcare Australia
Dr Jane Gilmour, PhD
Environmental consultant
Dr Chris Bell, BSc (Hons)
Environment Protection Authority, Victoria
Mr David Ife, BSc (Hons), M. App.Sci.
URS Australia
Dr Ian McPhail AM, BA, Litt.B.
Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability,
Victoria
Ms Cheryl Batagol.
Melbourne Water Corporation; EcoRecycle Victoria;
Environmental Sustainability Advisory Council
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make a
positive difference
to the world
Theres more to postgraduate study than
attending classes. Your time in the Graduate
Environmental Program will be supported and
enhanced by the University of Melbournes
world-class services and facilities.
GEP student common room and computer lab
The GEP student common room and computer lab are
available 24 hours a day for all students in the program
to use as both an academic support facility and also
as a meeting place for those who share a common
experience in the GEP at Melbourne University.
Seminars and events
The Office for Environmental Programs organises
regular seminars and events including the Plane
Tree Fora, CIAB Seminar Series, and an annual
World Environment Day Breakfast. Participation in
these events is an important element of the GEP
postgraduate experience, broadening student horizons
and facilitating contact with the wider community both
within and external to the University.
School of Graduate Studies
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) provides
academic support to enhance the quality of
postgraduate education across the University.
The SGS offers a range of workshops, seminars and
skills development courses that are an excellent
resource for GEP students. In addition, a special
program of lectures and events recognises and
celebrates cultural diversity, interdisciplinary studies
and the internationalisation of research.
Support services offered by the SGS include a
Postgraduate Library Research Consultant to help
in effective use of electronic databases and library
print resources, and IT support staff on-hand to assist
postgraduate students.
SGS also offers a comprehensive range of professional
development opportunities for local and international
postgraduate students. The Advanced Leadership
and Professional Skills Program (ALPS) is designed
specifically to develop transferable skills and enhance
the employability of our postgraduate students.
To find out more visit the SGS website at
http://www.gradstudies.unimelb.edu.au
Graduate Centre
The Graduate Centre provides postgraduate students
with a range of high-quality facilities and support
services, including computer laboratories, seminar
rooms and conference facilities, quiet study areas, a
presentation and publishing centre, and a broad range
of social events. The Graduate Centre is managed by
the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association
(UMPA).
For more information, visit the UMPA website at
http://www.umpa.unimelb.edu.au
The International Centre
The International Centre has been established to
serve international students from the time they
first enquire about studying at the University to
their return home as an alumnus. A wide range of
services and comprehensive information about study
at the University of Melbourne is available from the
International Centre.
For more information visit the International Centre
website at
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/
query/international.html
Careers and Employment
The Careers and Employment Service provides
employment, career and labour market information
to current students and new graduates. The weekly
email bulletin jobs_careers@unimelb has details
of job vacancies, as well as relevant workshops
and networking opportunities. There is also a
comprehensive Careers Resource Centre, with
information on careers associated with your degree,
course handbooks and directories, organisations
employing our graduates, employment opportunities
for international students, work and study overseas,
and course-related vacation work.
For more information visit the Careers and
Employment Service website at
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/careers/
Postgraduate services & facilities >
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University Library
The University of Melbourne Library collections and
resources are available to all students enrolled in the
Graduate Environmental Program.
Postgraduate students have access to various
forms of research support including opportunities
for individual consultations, information technology
application assistance, information and research skills
programs and online topic resource guides that include
valuable links for further research information.
The Information Division also offers a large range of
IT services and facilities for University of Melbourne
students.
More information about library services can be found
online at:
http://www.lib.unimelb.edu.au
Language and Learning Skills Unit
The Language and Learning Skills Unit (LLSU)
assists both international and local students in the
development of independent learning strategies
necessary to complete their University studies
successfully. LLSU staff offer individual assessments
and tutorials as well as a range of workshops and
short courses on topics such as time management,
referencing and improving academic writing.
For more information about the LLSU visit their
website at
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/llsu/
Alumni support
The GEP alumni group AlumniEP facilitates
communication and social contact with other alumni
through advertising events and an electronic forum.
In addition the University publishes an alumni
newsletter available from
www.unimelb.edu.au/alumni/gradnet/
I am from Sri Lanka and
was working at IUCN-The
World Conservation Union
as a Program Officer for over
three years prior to coming to
the University of Melbourne.
I was interested in a post
graduate qualification from
a recognised university
that would enhance my
career opportunities in the
environmental field in order to contribute more
towards developing nations. I was particularly
interested in the Graduate Environmental Program
(GEP) as it offered a Master of Environment
with a stream in Development Studies. This has
improved my understanding of environmental
policy, sustainability, climate change and its links to
development issues.
I have found the lectures interactive and the group
studies informative. The support of all GEP staff
and academics has been very useful and helped
me settle into university life. I have also had the
opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with
many students from other disciplines who are
interested in environment and sustainability. The
Office for Environmental Programs also organises
regular discussions and fora that help me network
with professionals and academics from the
environmental field and overcome challenges that I
have faced after resuming study.
I am also a part of the Postgraduate Environmental
Network (PEN) formed this year to bring together
like-minded postgraduate students to share
experiences, exchange ideas and organise events
in order to make university life memorable and fun.
Undertaking the GEP has improved my skills and
confidence, which has helped me gain employment
as a project consultant at Earth Systems, Australia
- an environmental consulting organisation. I look
forward to completing the GEP and continuing to be
a part of the PEN.
M. Azain Raban
Master of Environment, Development Stream
The Office for Environmental Programs, in partnership
with industry, is delighted to be able to reward
student achievement beyond the norm. Contribution
to understanding in the appropriate discipline features
in the selection criteria for these awards. They are an
indication of the ongoing interest that industries take
in the program and its students.
Two new awards were launched in 2006:
Quin Environmentals Agriculture and
Clean Water Prize
The Passionfoods Sustainable Food Systems Prize
The Quin Environmentals
Agriculture and Clean
Water Prize
Quin Environmentals is a supplier of consultancy,
technology and products relating to simultaneously
improving the efficiency and reducing adverse
environmental effects of agricultural practices,
particularly in the area of fertiliser use and land
application of waste. The company is committed to
minimising the adverse effects of intensive agriculture
on the environment by encouraging environmentally-
protective practices.
The prize ($1000) is given to a research essay written
as part of the assessment for 950-601 Sustainability,
Policy and Management, or 208-502 Sustainable Food
and Fibre. The winner will have contributed most
to the understanding of how fertiliser use and/or
land application of waste can be managed so as to
simultaneously improve the efficiency of nutrient
uptake and minimise any adverse environmental
effects.
The Passionfoods Sustainable
Food Systems Prize
Passionfoods is a supplier of organic and sustainably-
produced food. Their long term vision is to meet
the exciting trends towards consumer demands for
clean green food and household products that care
for the environment and follow commercially sound
sustainable practices.
The prize ($1000) is given to a research essay written
as part of the assessment for 950-601 Sustainability,
Policy and Management, or 208-502 Sustainable Food
and Fibre. The winner will have contributed most to
the understanding of the sustainable food production
supply and demand chain.
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Clean Air Society of Australia
and New Zealand Air and
Environment Award
The Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand
(CASANZ) is a non-government, non-profit professional
association formed in the 1960s to represent the
interests of the Australian-New Zealand region in
national and international fora relating to air quality
and to contribute to global air quality protection and
improvement.
The CASANZ Award of $500 and one year
membership to CASANZ will be awarded to the
student with the highest overall grade in 950-601
Sustainability, Policy and Management, 505-932
Epidemiology and Health Impacts or 950-603/600-604
Environmental Risk Assessment, or to the student
undertaking 950-613/950-614 Environmental Research
Project with an air quality, or issues relating to
greenhouse or indoor quality, related project.
The Interdisciplinary
Postgraduate Award
for Sustainability and
Environmental Writing.
This award, a certificate and a cheque for $1000.00,
is supported by the University of Melbourne Research
Office in recognition of the role that interdisciplinary
research plays in advancing understanding, where
interdisciplinarity is broadly defined as representing
work in more than one discipline.
The Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Award for
Sustainability and Environmental Writing is awarded
annually for research completed as part of a
postgraduate qualification that is considered to have
made the most significant contribution to sustainability
and environmental writing. The nominee should
be within 3 years of graduating from the degree
in which the research was completed. The form
of the work submitted for consideration may be a
single publishable quality conference paper, refereed
journal article, or a policy document for industry or
government.
Student awards and prizes >
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Program entry and progression >
10
50 Points
A relevant Bachelors
Degree or the
Graduate Diploma
with an average of
70% or above
Postgraduate
Certificate
+ 50 points
200 Points
with 100 points and average
of 70% or above
Master of
Environment
50 Points
Graduate
Certificate
+50 Points
Graduate
Diploma
100 Points
A Bachelors Degree
which does not relate
to the discipline and
stream you wish to
pursue
100 Points
Master of
Environment
100 Points
A relevant 4 or 5 year
Bachelors Degree with
honours, or at least 2 years
relevant post-degree work or
professional experience
with average of 70%
or above
Postgraduate
Diploma
with average < 70%
Courses >
Graduate Courses
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma
If your previous undergraduate qualification is in an
area unrelated to the postgraduate discipline or stream
you wish to pursue in the Graduate Environmental
Program, you may be advised to complete a Graduate
Certificate or Graduate Diploma.
These courses enable you to take undergraduate
subjects from across several faculties in order to
build a solid knowledge foundation as preparation for
transition into the postgraduate courses offered within
the Graduate Environmental Program.
Entry Requirements
You will gain entry into the Graduate Certificate or the Graduate Diploma if you have:
> an undergraduate degree
Graduate Certificate
Points 50 (equivalent to four subjects, one semester of full-time study)
Subject levels available 1st year 3rd year and honours 4th year teaching level with approval from your
appointed academic advisor
Availability Full time (3-4 subjects per semester)
Part time (generally 25 points, two subjects per semester)
Graduate Diploma
Points 100 (equivalent to eight subjects, one year of full time study)
Subject levels available 1st year 3rd year and honours 4th year teaching level with approval from your
appointed academic advisor
Availability Full time (3-4 subjects per semester)
Part time (generally 25 points, two subjects per semester)
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Postgraduate Courses
Postgraduate Certificate and
Postgraduate Diploma
The Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate
Diploma are postgraduate coursework degrees. Both
programs allow you to take a range of subjects across
several faculties. You do not have to follow any of
the specialist streams of study designed for Master
of Environment students. However, if you intend to
progress to a Master of Environment degree you are
encouraged to choose subjects from the stream into
which you hope to enter.
Once enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate or
Postgraduate Diploma you may upgrade your level
of study, subject to satisfactory performance and
according to the progression pathways (illustrated
in the diagram on page 10). Achieving an average of
70% or above on completion of the Postgraduate
Diploma will allow you to transfer into the Master of
Environment.
Entry Requirements
You will gain entry into the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma if you have:
> an undergraduate degree in a relevant* discipline (but do not have a 4-5 year Honours
degree); or
> completed the Graduate Diploma in Environment with an average of 70% or above.
Postgraduate Certificate
Points 50 (equivalent to four subjects, one semester of full time study)
Subject levels available Honours 4th year and Masters 5th and 6th year teaching level with approval from your
appointed academic advisor
Availability Full time (3-4 subjects per semester)
Part time (generally 25 points, two subjects per semester)
Postgraduate Diploma
Points 100 (equivalent to eight subjects, one year of full time study)
Subject levels available Honours 4th year and Masters 5th and 6th year teaching level with approval from your
appointed academic advisor
Availability Full time (3-4 subjects per semester)
Part time (generally 25 points, two subjects per semester)
* What is a relevant discipline?
Where a relevant discipline is specified, your
undergraduate degree must be in an area or discipline
related to the subjects or stream you are interested
in undertaking. For example: a Bachelor of Law, or
a Bachelor of Arts with majors in politics or business
studies or economics would be relevant for subjects
in the Governance, Policy & Communication stream
but is unlikely to be relevant for subjects in the Waste
Management stream.
Entry Requirements Master of Environment (200 points)
You will gain entry into the Master of Environment (200 points) if you have:
> an undergraduate degree in a relevant* discipline (but do not have a 4 or 5 year honours
degree); or
> completed the Graduate Diploma in Environment with an average of 70% or above.
Master of Environment (200 points)
Points 200 (equivalent to sixteen subjects, two year of full time study)
Subject levels
available
Masters level or above with approval from your appointed academic advisor
Students who do not meet the requirements for
entry into the Master of Environment (100 points)
may choose to enrol in a Master of Environment (200
points). This is equivalent to progressing through a
Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma
into the Masters program. Progression within the
Master of Environment (200 points) is dependent upon
students achieving an average of 70% or above in the
first 100 points of the course.
Master of Environment
(100 points or 200 points)
The Master of Environment provides the flexibility
to design a course that best suits your academic
background, interests and career aspirations. There are
two enrolment options: choosing one of nine specialist
streams, or the tailored program.
Specialist streams
Specialist streams are paths of study designed
by experts in the field and approved by the GEPs
academic and external advisors. You will graduate from
a specialist stream with an academic transcript that
recognises your area of expertise (or Major) and may
enhance employment and advancement prospects
within defined professional areas.
Brief descriptions of each stream are provided on
pages 14-17.
In addition to the Core Subjects undertaken by all
Master of Environment students, each stream offers a
number of required subjects complemented by a wide
choice of elective subjects which deliver the central
competencies of the specialisation.
The tailored program
In the tailored program, you must complete the
GEPs Core Subjects. From there, your interests and
academic background will influence your subject
choice, although prerequisites may apply. An academic
advisor will help you develop your study plan and
ensure that it fulfils the requirements of the University.
Entry Requirements Master of Environment 100 points
You will gain entry into the Master of Environment (100 points) if you have:
> a four or five year undergraduate degree at Honours level in a relevant* discipline; or
> an undergraduate degree with an average of 70% or above in a relevant* discipline, and at
least two years relevant post-degree work or professional experience. Applicants must provide
documented evidence of this work experience, in the form of a letter from their employer
on official letterhead, stating the time period over which the applicant was employed and a
description of the duties performed; or
> completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Environment with an average of 70% or above.
Master of Environment (100 points)
Points 100 (equivalent to eight subjects, one year of full time study)
Subject levels
available
Masters level or above with approval from your appointed academic advisor
Availability Full time (3-4 subjects per semester)
Part time (generally 25 points, two subjects per semester)
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Development
Stream 1
Coordinator: Dr Salim Lakha (Arts)
The stream is designed to meet the needs of
professionals working in both developing and
industrialised economies to manage natural
resources (physical and biological), and rural and
urban landscapes, including transport, and urban
planning. It provides you with a broad understanding
of technological and social solutions to sustainable
development strategies, which is relevant to business
and government professionals. It is intended to
provide a path for people with a first degree in the
social, technical and applied sciences (physical
science, life science, engineering, agriculture,
medicine) to develop skills (technical and non-
technical) for implementing sustainable development
strategies. It also provides a path for people with
policy and management qualifications to extend their
studies in this area.
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Conservation, Restoration
and Landscape Management
Stream 2
Coordinators: Prof Neal Enright (Arts) and
Dr Graeme Coulson (Science)
This stream is designed to meet the needs of
professionals working in the area of natural resource
management, with a particular focus on conservation
and restoration of ecosystem composition and
function. The disciplines/backgrounds of most
people undertaking this stream include life science,
forestry, natural resource management, agriculture,
park management, or environmental engineering.
The program is most relevant to government and
industry professionals involved in the management of
development activities, extension, and conservation.
The stream provides a path for students with a first
degree in physical science, life science, social science,
economics, engineering, forestry or agriculture to
develop skills in ecosystem management. It also
provides a path for people with policy, economics,
and management qualifications to develop skills
in areas associated with ecosystem management.
Graduates find employment in regulatory agencies,
local and state government authorities, environmental
consulting companies, and industries with international
interests in developing economies.
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Master of Environment stream descriptions >
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I chose to study the Master of Environment because of the excellent reputation of
the University of Melbourne and the quality of subjects and resources on offer through
the OEP. The program gave me the opportunity to explore my ideas developed in
previous education and employment with my main aim of approaching environmental
conservation issues from a variety of disciplines. I really wanted to develop my
area of expertise while being challenged to understand approaches from different
perspectives. This unique program allowed me the freedom to do so and exceeded
my expectation with the quality of content and resources available while being really
exciting (and easier than I thought!) With limited life experience I believe I have
developed my knowledge to industry level standards and so will have no problem in
my new position as an Australian Youth Ambassador working in ecotourism development in China.
Simon Stratford
Master of Environment, Conservation, Restoration and Landscape Management
15
Integrated Catchment
Management
Stream 3
Coordinator: Dr Rob Edis (Land & Food Resources)
Catchment management involves the integration
of sound biophysical information with social and
economic analysis to obtain the best outcomes for
a catchments natural resources and the people
who live and work there. Through core and elective
subjects, including case studies, this stream will
enable students to acquire a basic knowledge of
the functioning of catchments, the constraints to
improving catchment management, and how these
constraints can be ameliorated or removed. The
program is most relevant to professionals working
in soil and water regulation, land management,
extension, and conservation for consultancies,
industry, government agencies and local authorities.
The stream also provides a path for people with
policy, economics, and management qualifications
to develop skills in the biophysical aspects of
catchment management. The stream offers an
opportunity to students with a first degree in physical
science, life science, social science, economics,
engineering, forestry, horticulture or agriculture, and
to professional geologists, natural resource scientists
and managers who wish to gain advanced knowledge
of catchment management strategies in urban and
rural environments. Graduates find employment in
regulatory agencies, local and state government
authorities, environmental consulting companies,
and industries concerned with land development,
recreation and tourism.
Energy Studies
Stream 4
Coordinator: Dr Lu Aye (Engineering)
The stream in Energy Studies has been designed
to meet the theoretical and practical needs of
professionals working in the field of energy use and
planning, both in government and private sectors.
The program provides participants with a broad
understanding of the range of technologies, both
conventional and non-conventional, that can be used
for energy supply. Issues of energy planning, energy
end use and the non-technical factors influencing
the acceptance of energy technologies can also be
studied. The stream provides a means of accessing
elements of an engineering education for students
with an undergraduate degree in other disciplines.
Graduates find employment in energy agencies, utility
companies, industry, education, and consultancies.
>
>
Waste Management
Stream 5
Coordinator: Dr Graham Moore (Engineering)
The stream in Waste Management has been
designed to meet the theoretical and practical
skills development needs of people working
in environmental control authorities, industry
and elsewhere. The subject matter focuses on
management of various waste streams with an
emphasis on waste avoidance and minimisation
through sound decision making at the design and
implementation phases of products and projects. It
provides participants with a broad understanding
of the practice of environmental management
and provides experience in investigation. The
stream provides a means of accessing elements
of an engineering education for students with an
undergraduate degree in other disciplines. Graduates
find employment in environmental control authorities,
urban and industrial workplaces, local government,
education, and as consultants.
>
The interdisciplinary
nature of the Graduate
Environment Program
appealed to me. I was
enthusiastic about
the environment and
community and was
looking for ways in
which I could combine
these two interests and
create a professional edge. Having completed
a Bachelor of Arts, I was eager to gain some
technical skills for environmental management.
The flexible program structure was a big
draw card. I began my studies in the tailored
program and later moved into the Sustainable
Cities, Sustainable Regions stream. I was able
to explore the many academic areas fostered
through the Program while developing a
dynamic and industry relevant specialisation.
For me, the greatest attraction was the
ability to learn about and integrate different
disciplines. The opportunity to discuss issues
and problem solve with students from different
professional and academic backgrounds was of
great benefit in clarifying my own perspective
on environmental issues and sustainable
solutions.
Jessica Steinborner, Master of Environment
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions Stream
16
Public Health
Stream 6
Coordinator: Dr Catherine Bennett (Medicine,
Dentistry & Health Sciences)
The Public Health stream focuses on the creation
and maintenance of environments that promote
good public health. This stream seeks to familiarise
students with the tools used in environmental
health practice, and by public health practitioners,
for example, surveillance, monitoring, observational
and analytical epidemiological studies and selected
techniques in biostatistics and health economics.
Other skills are more specific to environmental health
or environmental studies, for example, environmental,
social and health impact assessment and qualitative
and quantitative risk analysis. The stream introduces
students to the benefits of collaborating with other
disciplines and sectors in identifying and managing
environmental health problems. It forms a specialist
companion program to the Master of Public Health,
which has enrolments of about 200 part-time students
each year in the degrees offered by Deakin, La
Trobe and Monash Universities and the University of
Melbourne. Graduates find employment in the health
industry, as health and safety officers in corporations
and government agencies, in consulting companies,
and development agencies.
>
Education
Stream 7
Coordinator: Dr Sherie McClam (Education)
The Education stream of the Master of Environment
focuses on improving the efficacy of educational
programs, materials and strategies for ecological
justice and social change. Utilizing emerging, critical,
place-based educational theories combined with
the power of thinking and working across traditional
discipline boundaries, the Education stream seeks
to increase the knowledge and skills necessary for
students to become agents of change within their
organizations, communities and institutions. This
requires understanding how to create multidisciplinary
learning environments in which stakeholders have
the maximum potential for motivating change.
Students in the Environment stream develop critical
understandings of historical, philosophical, socio-
cultural, and psychological influences on environmental
decision making, models of social transformation,
community organising, project management, conflict
resolution, working collaboratively and effective
communication. Emphasis is placed on integrating the
use of multidimensional and multifaceted tools used
in environmental practices such as environmental
science, public health, environmental planning and
environmental engineering. These tools include,
among others, qualitative and quantitative risk
analysis, impact assessment, monitoring, biostatistics,
and epidemiological analysis. Stream graduates find
employment in a wide variety of positions related to
education, such as environmental training officers in
corporations and government agencies, in consulting
companies, and development agencies.
>
Coming from the U.S., the University of Melbourne grabbed my attention from its
reputation as a top university and the unique environmental program it offered. With
a background in conservation biology I was looking for a program that would widen
my understanding of environmental matters and put my knowledge in context. The
cross-faculty approach of the GEP has accomplished this and ensured that I stretch
my thinking and consider viewpoints that previously would not have been possible.
This has certainly been a challenge, but has helped round out my education and given
me a better appreciation of complex environmental issues.
Scott Cooper
Postgraduate Diploma in Environment
Governance, Policy and
Communication
Stream 8
Coordinator: Dr Peter Christoff (Arts)
This stream focuses on development and marketing
of environmental policy in order to effect changes
in government, corporate and public perception
and behaviour. It provides a broad understanding
of the existing national and international legal and
political frameworks relevant to the environment and
will enable you to develop skills in policy-making,
business management and marketing. It will explore
the benefits of incorporating skills and work systems
in employee training programs to deliver improved
environmental performance. The course is designed
for professionals engaged in assisting public and
private sector organisations to develop economically
viable environmental agendas and communicating
these effectively to the public.
Graduates find employment in a wide range of
private and public sector organisations (for example,
government authorities, environmental consulting
companies and industry) requiring development,
ongoing management and marketing of change in
environmental agendas, and the identification of
opportunities that result from environmental initiatives.
>
Sustainable Cities,
Sustainable Regions
Stream 9
Coordinators: Dr Carolyn Whitzman (Architecture,
Building and Planning), Dr Ruth Beilin (Land & Food
Resources)
The stream is designed to meet the needs of
professionals working in both industrialised and
developing economies to understand and manage
the complex relationships between cities and the
agricultural and natural environments on which
they depend. It provides students with a broad
understanding of the theoretical and practical issues
facing urban, suburban, rural and regional dwellers in
the 21st century at a local, national and global scale.
The stream is most relevant to those who want to
apply the sustainability concept to human settlements
and natural resource management; and professionals
working in land management, extension, planning,
local and other government and non-government
agencies. The stream offers opportunities for
students with a first degree in humanities, and
biophysical or social science who wish to work
in urban, rural or regional areas. Graduates find
employment in regulatory agencies, local, state
and national government, international and national
consulting companies and industries.
>
I enrolled in the Graduate
Environmental Program
because it seemed a
perfect way for me to
move into employment in
environmental fields, having
worked as an accountant
after completing my
Commerce Degree.
I was excited to find the
Graduate Diploma in Environment as I was able to
get a foundation of knowledge and skills across a
range of disciplines without committing to a whole
new degree. Taking this path into the program
enabled me to progress into the Masters of
Environment. The range of subjects available in the
Graduate Environmental Program has given me the
opportunity to explore interests and experiences
which were beyond my initial expectations.
Caroline Dunn
Master of Environment, Tailored Program
17
Key subjects >
Key subjects have been selected from each of the
faculties to provide a cohesive study plan for students
enrolled in the tailored program.
Subject Overview
Introductory Environmetrics Provides an overview of key statistical, mathematical, and computer modelling techniques
for quantitative environmental assessment and reviews fundamental concepts of statistical
design and analysis in a natural resource management context.
Environmental Risk
Assessment
Outlines the development of concepts of uncertainty, the perception, psychology and
cultural context of risk management, and methods for qualitative and quantitative risk
analysis, providing skills and the ability to perform and act upon environmental risk
assessments.
Environmental Impact
Assessment
Introduces environmental impact detection and management and its legal and social
contexts, providing skills to design and implement monitoring programs and assess changes
Social Impact Assessment
and Evaluation
Introduces procedures for assessing the social impacts of development, and outlines the
role of politics and society in regulating social impacts, providing conceptual and technical
assessment skills.
Management of Australian
Ecosystems
Introduces the types and distribution of Australian ecosystems, and the extent of human
impacts, and develops skills in biodiversity and soil survey and analysis, and multivariate data
analysis.
Environmental Policy Provides a practical understanding of issues confronting policy makers for a range of
environment problems and the solutions available to them.
Wildlife Management Covers biological and legal definitions of wildlife and the goals of management, population
dynamics and measurement of abundance, competition, predation, harvesting and disease
in population regulation, management of overabundant and pest species, and management
of threatened species.
Environmental Economics
and Strategy
Provides an understanding of market and government decisions affecting the environment
and outlines economic principles in private sector decisions, public good, and cost/benefit
analysis.
Environmental Management:
Systems and Audits
Outlines the history of management systems, the philosophy, structure and function of the
ISO standard, resulting in the ability to conduct a systems audit.
Sustainable Management of
Water Resources
Introduces water resources systems, development and policy, and management of water
resources, providing an understanding of the physical, economic, environmental and social
elements of the sustainable management of water resources.
Fundamentals of Geographic
Information Systems
Introduces and develops skills in GIS applications for decision-making, referencing methods,
data structures, collection, manipulation, modelling, analysis and display.
Environmental Education Provides an understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of environmental
education. This includes conceptual orientation to the skills and resources needed for
effective social and cultural agency for the environment.
Epidemiology and Health
Impacts
Introduces the tools used in public and environmental health, including epidemiology, human
health impact assessment, disease distribution and association, and the principles of risk
and causation, bias and confounding.
Hydrogeology Outlines the importance of geology in the management and sustainable use of groundwater,
emphasising the applied aspects of hydrogeology, including exploration for groundwater
resources, bore construction and development, and impacts on groundwater chemistry.
Environmental Law This subject introduces students to legal aspects of environmental regulation. Topics
covered may include: legal understandings of the 'environment'; legal implementation of the
precautionary principle; governmental powers with respect to the environment; legislative
frameworks for environmental impact assessment; and international regulation of the global
environment.
Subject selection explained >
Subject levels
Graduate Courses
Students in the graduate certificate and graduate
diploma awards may select undergraduate subjects
from participating faculties across the University.
Subject selection must be made in consultation with
the Director of the OEP to ensure that the correct
prerequisites for later postgraduate study are met.
Information on undergraduate subjects can be found
at the following weblink:
www.unimelb.edu.au/student/undergraduate.html
Postgraduate Courses
Subjects available through the GEP postgraduate
courses are offered at the Honours level and above.
Information regarding Key Subjects is provided on
page 18. A list of all subjects available through the
GEP, including links to subject descriptions, can be
found on our website:
www.environment.unimelb.edu.au
Law subjects
When planning your course, if you wish to take any
law subject (with the exception of Environmental Law)
a special application must be submitted to the OEP.
Please contact the OEP for more details.
Core subjects - Master of Environment
Two core subjects must be undertaken by all students
enrolled in the Masters program. They offer the
foundation for environmental and interdisciplinary
learning and so should be taken as early in your
program of study as possible. The two core subjects
enable students to develop an appreciation of
sustainability, and of multi/transdisciplinary thinking
and learning, that is distinctive to the program.
950-601 Sustainability Policy and Management
Coordinator: A/Prof Jacqueline Rowarth
This subject provides students with a fundamental
appreciation of the concepts of sustainability
and the ability to recognise appropriate (or best)
practice ideas in implementing sustainability.
The subject is central to all disciplines and is
consciously interdisciplinary in its orientation.
It will also assist students in the decision about
further subjects to take and which stream will best
suit their needs, wants and desires.
950-600 Trans-disciplinary Thinking and
Learning
Coordinator: Dr Sherie McClam
This subject enhances multi/transdisciplinary
thinking and learning skills and further
develops critical thinking though readings, class
discussions, collaboration and assessment.
Students will consider the complexity of
environmental knowledge, understanding of
problems and solutions and will develop analytical
approaches to environmental issues of complexity
and uncertainty.
Required Subjects -
Master of Environment Streams
In addition to the two core subjects, students enrolled
in the various streams of the Master of Environment
(100 or 200 points) must complete specific required
subjects which will provide the platform for further
learning in that stream. Information regarding stream
requirements is available in the Course Planning Guide.
Course Planning Guide
To obtain a copy of this guide contact the Office for
Environmental Programs:
Telephone: +61 3 8344 5073 or 8344 4773
Email: query-environment@unimelb.edu.au
>
>
Medicine,
Dentistry &
Health
Sciences
Law
Architecture
Building &
Planning
Land &
Food
Resources
Arts
Veterinary
Science
Economics
&
Commerce
Science
Engineering
Education
S
c
h
o
o
l

O
f

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a
duate

S
t
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d
i
e
s
OEP
19
Domestic applicants (including Australian
citizens and permanent residents, New
Zealand Citizens)
Fill in the application form at the back of this
Prospectus. Alternatively, an application form can be
downloaded from our website
www.environment.unimelb.edu.au
Return the application form - with the necessary
attachments - to the Office for Environmental
Programs.
Please supply as much information as possible in
support of your application. As a minimum we require
the following:
Originals or certied copies of academic transcripts.
[Note: You do not need to provide transcripts for
any previous study undertaken at the University
of Melbourne as we can obtain this information
internally.]
Original or certied copies of proof of completion for
your previous qualications.
Proof of citizenship.
In addition, if you are applying for the Masters program
and believe you have relevant work experience which
should be considered as part of your application,
you will need to enclose supporting documentation
from your employer/s, signed and on company
letterhead. These must clearly outline the duties and
responsibilities which you wish to have considered
as part of your application. A copy of your Curriculum
Vitae should also be enclosed.
Community Access Program
The Community Access Program (CAP) allows
students and members of the general public who
are permanent residents of Australia to take subjects
without being enrolled in a formal degree. Subjects
are available for assessed or non-assessed study.
Enquiries for particular subjects should be directed
to the corresponding Faculty Office through which
subjects are administered. For further information
please visit
www.unimelb.edu.au/community/access
>
>
>
International applicants
International applications for the Graduate
Environmental Program must be lodged via the
Universitys International Centre. Apply online, or
download an application form following the links on
the International Centre website.
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/ipg/
ipgapply.html
Contact details for the International Centre are
available from the following weblink:
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/contact.
html
Alternatively you can contact the University of
Melbournes representative in your area. A full list of
representative contacts by country is available at
http://mureps.acs.unimelb.edu.au/index.asp
English language requirements
International students must satisfy the Universitys
English language requirements. Up-to-date
information about these requirements is available from
the following weblink:
http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/courses/
pgenglishreq.html
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for 2007 enrolments are as
follows:
To commence Semester 1, 2007
31 October 2006 for international applicants
30 November 2006 for Australian or NZ residents
To commence Semester 2, 2007
30 April 2007 for international applicants
31 May 2007 for Australian or NZ residents
Late applications may be accepted, depending on
availability of places.
How to apply >
20
Development
Conservation, Restoration, and Landscape Management
Integrated Catchment Management
Energy Studies
Waste Management
Public Health
Education
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Governance, Policy and Communication
Tailored Program
21
Application form >
Application for entry to the Graduate
Environmental Program: Australian citizens,
Australian permanent residents and New
Zealand citizens
Before submitting your application, please read the
information pertaining to the Graduate Environmental
Program available in the prospectus or at
www.environment.unimelb.edu.au
Closing date for applications
Thursday the 30th of November 2006 for
commencement in Semester 1, 2007 and Thursday
the 31st of May 2007 for commencement in Semester
2, 2007. Late applications may be accepted, subject to
places being available.
Personal Details
Title
Given Names
Family Name
Date of Birth
Student No.
(if previously enrolled at the University of Melbourne)
Address
P/code
Phone
Mobile
Email
Citizenship/Residency status
(please attach citizenship/residency documentation as
indicated above)

Australian citizen

Australian permanent resident

New Zealand citizen
Course Details
I wish to undertake a:

Graduate Certificate in Environment

Graduate Diploma in Environment

Postgraduate Certificate in Environment

Postgraduate Diploma in Environment

Master of Environment (100 points)

Master of Environment (200 points)
Please note: prospective students who are unsure as
to which award best suits them should indicate the
award that they would most like to complete. Please
feel welcome to select multiple awards if you think a
progression pathway (see page 10) is most suitable for
you.
Commencing: Semester One 2007
Semester Two 2007
Enrolling: Full time Part time
Specialisation
Applicable only to the Master awards. Nomination of a
specialised stream on this form is only indicative. You
will be able to change streams at the commencement
of your studies in consultation with your academic
advisor.
22
Academic History and Work Experience
I have completed:
three year Bachelor degree
four or five year Bachelor degree with an average
of 70% or above
four or five year Bachelor with Honours degree
three year Bachelor degree with an average of
70% or above with record of relevant post-degree
work experience
Name of degree:

Name of Institution:

City & Country of Institution:

Completion Date:
I declare that to the best of my knowledge the
information supplied herein is correct and complete. I
acknowledge that the provision of incorrect information
or the withholding of relevant information may result
in my being excluded from the University at any stage
during the course I undertake.
I understand that the University of Melbourne may
disclose the personal information I have given in this
application form to the Department of Education,
Science and Training (DEST) and that DEST will collect
and store my personal information in the Higher
Education Information Management System.
Signature:
Date:
Please submit your application to:
The Office for Environmental Programs
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Australia
You must attach to this application the
following documentation:
1. Original or certified copies of your academic
transcript from any study or qualifications listed on this
application. Transcripts must include all subjects and
grades (with numeric translation) or marks obtained.
2. Original or certified copies of proof of completion of
your qualifications.
3. A certified copy of one of the following: birth
certificate, extract of entry of birth certificate, passport
or permanent resident visa.
4. Masters applications only (if applicable) - relevant
work experience documentation: a letter from your
employer on company letterhead which details the time
period of employment and a brief position description.
A copy of your current Curriculum Vitae should also be
enclosed.
people dening
the future
Student fees >
Postgraduate Tuition Fees for Australian and
International Students
Students enrolling at the University of Melbourne in
an Australian or International fee place pay tuition fees
based on the particular subjects they choose to study.
Subjects have been grouped into fee bands, based
on the costs of teaching and the demand for the
discipline in which they fall. Your fees will be charged
based on the particular subjects you choose in your
course and the fees set for the disciplines these
subjects represent. The total fees you will pay in any
year are the sum of the subject fees for all subjects in
which you are enrolled.
Further information about fees including indicative
2007 costs for each fee band can be found by
following the links from the following University of
Melbourne web site:
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/courses/fees.
html
Commonwealth Supported Places for
Australian students
A small number (approximately 3 places/year) of
Commonwealth Government subsidised places are
available in the Graduate Environmental Program,
under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme
(HECS). These places are awarded by the OEP to
enrolled students who have achieved outstanding
performance in prior undergraduate studies. No
application is necessary as all domestic students are
considered for these places.
FEE HELP Scheme for Australian students
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme for full fee-paying
postgraduate students. For more information on FEE-
HELP please refer to the federal government website:
http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/
Scholarships for international students
The Australian Government offers scholarships for
students from some developing countries to study in
Australia in order to gain knowledge and skills that will
help the future development of their home country.
Information regarding available scholarships for
international students can be found on the following
University of Melbourne website:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/
pgrad/index.html
You may also obtain information from the Australian
Diplomatic Mission in your home country or by visiting
the AusAID website at:
http://www.AusAID.gov.au/scholar/default.cfm
23
www.environment.unimelb.edu.au >
The University of Melbourne 2006. ABN 84 002 705 224. CRICOS Provider Code: 00116K.
Information contained in this document was correct at time of publication August 2006
The University has used its best endeavours to ensure that material contained in this publication was correct at the
time of printing. The University gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness
of information and the University reserves the right to make changes without notice at any time in its absolute
discretion. Users of this publication are advised to reconcile the accuracy and currency of the information
provided with the relevant faculty or department of the University before acting upon or in consideration of the
information. Copyright in this publication is owned by the University and no part of it may be reproduced without
the permission of the University.
Design: Blue Vapours www.bluevapours.com.au
Photography: Kit Fennessy, Jane McPhee, Office for Environmental Programs, the University of Melbourne and
the Australian Greenhouse Office.
Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable inks
Any questions?
Contact the Office for Environmental Programs
Phone +61 3 8344 5073 or +61 3 8344 4773
Fax +61 3 8344 5650
Email query-environment@unimelb.edu.au
Mail to:
Office for Environmental Programs
University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Or visit our website at
www.environment.unimelb.edu.au