Fire and frost; drought and flood; summer and winter. Ecosystems are ever-changing. Add the spectre of climate change and it's clear that understanding and protecting our diverse ecosystems is a major ongoing challenge.

Will you accept that challenge in your career?

This masters degree, which includes a major research project, will take your expertise in ecosystem science to an advanced level, and prepare you for a career in research.

Customise the course to suit your interests

The course is designed with flexibility in mind. Choose your own path by selecting from a large range of subjects.

Conservation biology, ecology, environmental psychology, landscape management, forest science, horticulture, hydrology and soil science are just some of the specialist areas you can explore.

Build your research skills

You’ll leave the course with a major research project to feature in your CV. The research project will put your skills to the test, working with one or more of our expert staff on a real-life, ecosystem science issue.

Select your own research topic, find the supervisor or supervisors to fit you and the topic, and consider laboratory, field or social science research elements.

Gain more than just technical skills

We know that employers today are looking for more than just specialist technical or academic capability. To round out your skill-set, select from a range of high-level professional subjects, including science communication, modelling, programming, ethics, community engagement and more.

Our graduates go on to work as foresters, ecologists, landscape managers, sustainability experts, environmental risk managers and research and policy advisors.

Employers in this field include:

• Government departments of environment and economic development, including VicForests and the Forestry Corporation of NSW
• Universities and public research institutions such as the CSIRO.