Climate Change

Climate change mitigation and adaptation are increasingly being integrated into business management, government policy and technology design, requiring expertise in a range of fields including international conventions, strategic government and business policy, climate science, energy technology, economic analysis and management. Effective solutions therefore require a new generation of policymakers, managers and scientists equipped with a multidisciplinary understanding of climate change issues.

The "climate change" specialised stream of study within the Master of Environment is ideal for students seeking an interdisciplinary perspective on climate change, for work in policy-making and/or business advisory roles. Graduates will be well-placed to offer leadership through a solid understanding of: theoretical and practical applications of policy and science; technological limits, potentials and risks; and the value of addressing a wide-ranging global environmental issue from a trans-disciplinary perspective. Additionally, the stream presents an opportunity for students to establish extensive networks with fellow climate change professionals across a broad range of industries, sectors and fields of endeavour.

Students who complete the Master of Environment (MEnv, in which course the climate change specialised stream of study exists) will have:

• An advanced understanding of environmental issues
• Advanced skills and techniques applicable to changing and managing the environment
• An ability to evaluate and synthesise research and professional literature in the chosen stream or focus of study
• An advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of environmental assessment.

The graduate attributes for the MEnv are:

• Expertise in multidisciplinary understanding, analysis and research with an environmental focus. Collaborative approaches to environmental problem solving. Capacity to engage in critical social and sustainability questions.”

And the MEnv generic skills are:

• Multidisciplinary and trans-disciplinary knowledge and research of environmental relevance.
• Collaborative environmental management skills.
• Capacity for independent learning across disciplinary boundaries.

In addition, the Climate Change Stream will provide a pathway for people with policy, management and scientific qualifications to extend their climate change knowledge and expertise. Graduates may find employment in State and Federal Government authorities, environmental consulting companies, business advisory and strategic policymaking positions worldwide.

The Master of Environment Climate Change Stream should provide a pathway to further study and prepare students for entry to middle and upper management positions by:

• Developing knowledge, skills, understanding and competence in the area of climate change science and policy tools;
• Developing a thorough approach to climate change through an understanding of the biological, economic, social and environmental factors surrounding climate change issues both within Australia and internationally;
• Increasing knowledge and analytical capabilities appropriate to climate change;
• Developing competence in the design, conduct and analysis of research questions and experimental work, particularly for those students interested in pursuing a research career; and
• Extending scholarly and critical attitudes in climate change studies.

The Master of Environment Climate Change Stream will be distinguished by a commitment to:

• Learning and teaching based on the best available research in climate change sciences and policy discourse;
• A respect for the intellectual maturity and diversity of experience in the student cohort;
• Pedagogies that promote independent critical inquiry, analysis and reflection; and
• The full utilization of human and material resources of the Faculties contributing subjects to the stream.

Master of Environment 100 points: Students will be required to complete the two core subjects, plus at least three subjects from the compulsory subject list, plus electives to make up the balance of the award Master of Environment (100 points) – usually 8 subjects in total.

Master of Environment 200 points: Students will be required to complete the two core subjects, plus at least three subjects from the compulsory subject list, plus electives to make up 100 points – usually 8 subjects in total. For the remaining 100 points, students can select from the list of subjects comprising the Graduate Environmental Program as a whole, which can be seen at: http://www.oep.unimelb.edu.au/currentstudents/master_of_environment/subjectlist

The selection of electives will be made in consultation with the relevant academic advisor – in this case the Climate Change Stream Co-ordinator, Dr. Stefan Arndt.

Subjects offered within the stream will be offered by the following schools and faculties: Land and Environment; Science; Education; Law; Business and Economics; Engineering; Architecture, Building; Arts; and Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Core Subjects

Compulsory Subjects

Elective Subjects

All Climate Change stream students may choose other subjects from these: