Program summary

Program title: Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation
Award abbreviation: GCClimateChangeAdaptation
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus; on campus (intensive)
Duration: 6 months minimum full-time, 2 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or 2 (subject to enrolment numbers)
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
USC program code: SC508
CRICOS code: 063681D

Highlights

• Learn to assess and manage climatically induced change
• Work towards accreditation as an environmental practitioner
• Intensive course delivery allows you to qualify faster

Proactively address the implications of climate change.

In this suite, you gain an in-depth understanding of the natural and human-induced factors responsible for the rapid rates of environmental and climate change. You examine the types of governance and community-based responses required to address the impacts and vulnerabilities, and acquire practical problem-solving skills in adaptive environmental assessment and integrated management systems.

The theoretical understanding and practical tools enable you, as a practitioner, to integrate best-practice vulnerability assessment tools and techniques effectively with nationally and internationally endorsed environmental management systems. The purpose is to mitigate unwanted effects of climate change and manage project outcomes to ensure continuous improvement in the environmental conditions and the sustainability of natural resources.

You acquire skills through a combination of lectures, readings, group discussions, practical projects and the use of interactive modelling tools. Your assessment is based on a combination of individual and group project tasks. Some classes use environmental simulation models to develop skills in problem definition, data and information manipulation, management and application. These tools support the preparation of vulnerability assessment documents and environmental management plans for environmental and natural resources management.

The Graduate Certificate consists of four courses and articulates into the 12-course Master of Climate Change Adaptation. If you enrol in the masters program, you may choose to exit after completing the first four courses with the Graduate Certificate and achieve a recognised qualification. Subject to certain time conditions, you can return to upgrade your qualification later. Similarly, if you choose to exit the masters program after completing eight courses, you may be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Climate Change Adaptation. Please note that there is no direct entry into the Graduate Diploma.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Master of Climate Change Adaptation can work towards accreditation as an environmental practitioner from the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ), or equivalent overseas accreditation body. Completing the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation only contributes towards this accreditation.

Intensive delivery

The Climate Change Adaptation programs run in an intensive mode and the scheduling of the individual courses will depend on student demand and numbers. All 300-level courses are offered nominally during Semester 1 and 2 each year, but may also be conducted during the summer and mid-year breaks, as demand requires. Courses require a student activity investment of 120 hours. Approximately 60 hours will be undertaken over 6–7 consecutive days on campus. In most cases, courses run from 8.30am to 5.30pm for a week including weekends. The remaining 60 hours is required for independent student-learning activities, which may include readings, exercises and the preparation of assessment items.

Admission requirements

A student entering the Graduate Certificate program will normally be required to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant climate change adaptation industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Health and Education.

Advanced standing

Advanced standing up to a maximum of 50 percent (24 units) will be offered to students with approval from the Dean. Prior learning, relevant work experience and overseas qualifications are recognised.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1,2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Scroll down to the Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete the 4 required courses listed below.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• International students must have the equivalent of an IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in all subtests). Postgraduate students are expected to have a high level of English written and speaking skills.

Program structure

Required courses: (4)

TOTAL UNITS 48

The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.

Enquiries

How to apply

Associate Professor Shireen Fahey
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5459 4585
Email: sfahey@usc.edu.au

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

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* Subject to approval.