Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research

Lead the fight against climate change. Climate change is increasingly seen as a major threat to the health of the planet, with long-term hazards and implications for many communities.

In this program you will:

  • Look deeply at the social, cultural, political and economic impact of climate change
  • Focus on people who live in areas where climatic conditions threaten water and food security, public health, public amenities, quality of life and living conditions
  • Via research, develop an appreciation of international and national obligations and trends in the assessment and management of climate change
  • Discover how to effectively examine complex agricultural, industrial, infrastructure and urban development proposals to meet predicted impacts of climate change

Location

CRICOS code

063014F

Duration

2 years 2 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$29,600 Annual fee
Annual fee

Delivery mode
  • internal, external
Duration
2 years 2 years
CRICOS code
063014F
UniSC program code
SC810
Program structure

A Higher Degree by Research (HDR) is a supervised research program that requires undertaking original research, resulting in a thesis, or a thesis and exegesis.

During the Master by Research program, Master by Research candidates are required to achieve several milestones that relate to their research training.

Milestones are program requirements and periodic assessments of candidature progression. Milestones are distributed throughout HDR candidature providing structure and mechanism for regular review and feedback on progress towards both the research project and attainment of the University’s Research Graduate Attributes.

In addition to HDR program milestones, some candidates may also have:

  1. project milestones (such as external progress reports to third party funding providers) that they are required to contribute to; and
  2. scholarship conditions as specified in their scholarship conditions document
  3. Coursework (discuss with your proposed supervisor prior to applying)

Information on HDR milestones is available in the UniSC Higher Degree by Research Candidature Progression - Guidelines.

To be eligible for admission to a research Master degree, an applicant must hold:

(a) a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher on a seven point scale from a recognised higher education institution; or

(b) a Bachelor Honours degree (AQF Level 8) Class IIB from a recognised higher education institution; or

(c) a record of qualifications and/or professional research experience deemed to be equivalent to the standard of (a) or (b) as may be approved by the Research Degrees Committee, or the Chairperson acting on behalf of the Committee.

The prior study must be in an area of study relevant to the discipline area of the Master degree. If the prior study has not included an appropriate preparation in research methodology, the candidate will be required to undertake an appropriate research methodology course, as specified by the relevant Head of School, as part of their candidature.

The admission requirements for a specific Master degree may include additional requirements, such as a Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline, professional registration, a specified number of years of professional practice, or other requirements indicative of a suitable preparation to undertake a research program at Master level. Additional requirements should be discussed with your proposed supervision team prior to applying.

Refer also to the University’s English language requirements.

Admission is subject to availability of appropriate supervision and facilities.

 

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Higher Degrees by Research - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$29,600

Domestic higher degree by research applicants are assessed for a fee-offset scholarship as part the program admission assessment process.

If successful, this information will be included in the Description of Candidature which is provided with the Offer of Admission.

The maximum period of a fee-offset scholarship for full-time candidates is four years for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students and two years for Master by Research candidates (part time equivalent). 

After this time candidates will be liable for fees.

For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page.

International student fee information is available on the Tuition fees and other costs page. For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page. Visit the HDR scholarships page for information on available scholarships.

Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.

Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

HDR students can commence their Masters at any time 

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

Applications can be submitted at any time.

Visit the How to apply page for information on preparing and submitting your application.

Earn accreditation with the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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