Graduate Diploma in Forest Systems Management

The Graduate 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 Graduate 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 Graduate 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. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with at least an H3 (65%) weighted average, or equivalent;
OR
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline including at least 25 points in one or more of Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Statistics, or equivalent, and with at least an H3 (65%) weighted average, or equivalent;
OR
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline and a Graduate Certificate in
Environment with at least an H3 (65%) weighted average in the Certificate, or equivalent;
OR
• a two-year associate degree or diploma in a relevant discipline, or equivalent; and
• 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.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• professional experience; and
• the score on the test conducted by the Selection Committee.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5.

Note:

The task-based assessment will be conducted in a single period of two hours duration where students will be required to demonstrate the following abilities to gain entry to graduate study:

• analyze and interpret scientific or technical data
• comprehend and use scientific literature
• conceptualize a problem

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 the Disability Liaison: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The Graduate 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

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Foresst Systems Management will be eligible for membership of the Institute of Foresters Australia (http://www.forestry.org.au) and with further professional and practical experience to qualify as Registered Professional Foresters.

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.

Please note, the majority of the Graduate Diploma in Forest Systems Management subjects are taught at the Creswick campus and some are taught at the metropolitan campuses. Costs associated with accommodation and travel is at the students’ own expense.