Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Systems Management

The Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Systems Management is a one-year (100 points, full-time) or part-time equivalent coursework degree that develops advanced knowledge and skills for careers in the native forest and plantation resources sector.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Systems Management will prepare you for a career within the forest resource management sector and provide a pathway to further study. By undertaking the course, you will:

• Develop knowledge, skills, understanding and competence in areas of forest systems management
• Develop a thorough approach to sustainable forest management
• Understand the biological, economic, social and environmental factors that shape the development of forest resource management enterprises both in Australia and internationally
• Increase your knowledge and analytical capabilities appropriate to forest systems and related specialist disciplines
• Develop research competence in the design, conduct and analysis of experimental work
• Extend your scholarly and critical attitudes in forest and natural resource management disciplines

Students studying the Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Systems Management must complete 100 points of subjects comprising two core subjects (25 points) plus 25 points of Internship Project subject and four elective subjects (50 points).

Core subjects

Students must complete the following core subjects:

Core Internship

Students must complete the following Internship subject:

Elective Subjects

Students must select 50 points from the following elective subjects:

1.The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria:

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in any area including at least 25 points in one or more of Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Statistics, or equivalent, and with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year; or
• an undergraduate degree in any area and a Graduate Certificate in Environment with at least H3 (65%) average in the Certificate, or
• a two‐year associate degree or diploma in a relevant discipline, at least five years documented relevant professional experience, and an appropriate level of performance on a test conducted by the Selection Committee to confirm generic skills necessary for successful study in the program.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Note: The requirement for at least H3 (65%) average in each case may be waived where the applicant can demonstrate significant professional development in a relevant area since graduation.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Systems Management develops knowledge and practical skills for managing forest resource enterprises, and provides graduates with key networks in this sector nationally and internationally. Most subjects within the course are offered as short-stay intensives supplemented by self-directed study; this teaching mode is well suited to part-time study and for participation by students based anywhere in Australia. Students undertake an opportunity to develop forest sector internship study in national or international settings to gain first hand experience and insight into a challenging aspect of forest management. Graduates gain an understanding of forest systems and their management including environmental, economic and social aspects. The forest systems management award will qualify graduates for specialist forest management positions within the forest and natural resource management sectors and provide a pathway to further study

The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:

Academically excellent

• Have strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• Have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
• Reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
• Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directed learning
• Be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines

• Examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• Expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
• Have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
• Have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment.

Leaders in communities

• Initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
• Have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
• Mentor future generations of learners
• Engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity

• Value different cultures
• Be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they
• Choose to live and work
• Have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
• Respect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

Active global citizens

• Accept social and civic responsibilities
• Be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• Have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.