Master of Forest Science and Management

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. 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.

Career Opportunities

A postgraduate qualification in forest management may lead to career opportunities in plantation and natural forest management. Graduates typically seek career advancement within the following fields:

• Forest management

• Carbon sequestration

• Integrated tree cropping and farm forestry

• National parks and protected area management

• Environmental impact assessment and monitoring

• Environmental education and interpretation.

Professional Recognition

Masters graduates qualify for automatic full membership of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.

Major Areas of Study

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 Master's 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.

Assessment methods

Assessment varies for each unit and generally comprises a mix of assessment types, including laboratory and readings-based assignments, seminar presentations, field and investigation reports, and formal practical and written examinations. Research or independent study units provide the opportunity for students to complete a literature review, a short thesis, pilot study, or research project under academic supervision.

Teaching methods

The majority of coursework units involve a lecture (two hours) and a laboratory session or tutorial (two-three hours) each week, for on-campus students. For units that are delivered online, students are typically provided with a study guide, together with readings from relevant textbooks and journals.

Some units may be offered as intensive short courses to enable participation by professional foresters and may include formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory sessions and field trips for hands-on experience to put theory into practice.

Technical support is provided to students in the specialist laboratories and for the use of field equipment.

Facts, figures, rankings and awards

Southern Cross University is a progressive, young and connected regional research university, with vibrant campuses in northern New South Wales and the southern Gold Coast. We offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and many are available in a dynamic online form. Whether studying on-campus, online, or both, we deliver exciting, contemporary and high-quality learning experiences.

Why SCU?

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 20Bold, progressive and just 23 years of age – Southern Cross University is one of the Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Universities and one of the world’s Top 50 Generation Y Universities .

Our contemporary campuses, with purpose-built state-of-the-art facilities, are located on the east coast of Australia, at the Gold Coast in Queensland, and in Lismore and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. All are unique regions renowned for their natural beauty and ecological diversity, providing living laboratories for learning and creative hubs for artistic endeavour.

Branch campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are operated in collaboration with EduCo on behalf of Southern Cross University. The University also operates The Hotel School Sydney and Melbourne in partnership with Mulpha Australia. We also deliver degrees with collaborators in China, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

We have a large and diverse range of courses available online, offering interactive and immersive learning experiences wherever our students are.

Whether studying on-campus, online, or both, we deliver exciting, contemporary and high-quality learning experiences.

We aim to produce graduates who are career ready, world ready and digitally literate, and who experience an academic environment distinctive for its personal approach.

The University has a strong focus on industry and community collaboration to produce engaged teaching and research outcomes.

This connectivity is seeing Southern Cross University lead the $13.8m national Farming Together Pilot Program, partnering with the Northern Rivers Co-operatives Alliance and the Australian Government. The University has also introduced an important new Centre for Organics Research with the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

In the latest Excellence in Research for Australia report, Southern Cross achieved outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 24 research fields. In nine research fields, the University was evaluated at the highest possible classification of 'well above world standard'. This was achieved in the fields of Geochemistry, Oceanography, Environmental Science and Management, Zoology, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Crop and Pasture Production, Forestry Sciences, Nursing, Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Campuses

Southern Cross University is a vibrant, contemporary Australian university with beautiful campuses on the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour.

Sydney, Melbourne and Perth branch campuses (International students)

Southern Cross University's branch campuses at Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are conveniently located in the central business districts.

Studying at SCU Sydney, Melbourne or Perth gives international students the opportunity to complete undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in three of the world's most liveable cities. Southern Cross University collaborates with EduCo Sydney Branch Pty Ltd for the operation of the SCU Sydney, Melbourne and Perth branch campuses.