Degree Structure

The Master of Environmental Science consists of 8 courses (48 units).  6 Courses (36 units) must be selected from those within the Graduate Studies Field in RMES and Geographical Sciences, all of which are of 6 units value. The final structure and content of the program for each student will be developed after discussion with the student and appraisal of their background, previous knowledge and future intentions, and must be approved by the Head of School.

In full-time mode, the 8 courses (48 units) of coursework and research are normally taken over two consecutive semesters.  The program may be completed in one of the following two ways:

25% research essay option

• 5 courses (30 units), 2 course (12 units) must have ENVS prefix
• ENVS8049Independent Research Project (6 units)
• Major Research Essay with ENVS prefix (12 units – maximum length 15,000 words) on an agreed topic; the work must show wide reading and understanding as well as evidence of critical analysis and/or appropriate use of advanced techniques.

OR

50% sub-thesis option

• 3 courses (18 units), appropriate to Environmental Science and approved by the graduate advisor
• ENVS8049 Independent Research Project (6 units)
• Sub-thesis with ENVS prefix (24 units – length 20,000-25,000 words) on an agreed topic; the work must show wide reading and understanding as well as evidence of critical analysis and/or appropriate use of advanced techniques, at a higher level of development than the Major Research Essay.

Admission to the 50% thesis option requires evidence of Distinction-level performance in 2 courses, or equivalent, relevant to the proposed field of research. The choice of research topic under either option is dependent on the availability and agreement of a supervisor. These issues should be the subject of discussion with the Graduate Studies Advisor at an early stage.

Note:  All students must attend relevant seminars and present at least one seminar and comply with any other prescribed conditions.

Status

Where a candidate has, prior to admission, performed work towards an incomplete postgraduate degree at another University or tertiary institution, approved by the Prescribed Authority, the Prescribed Authority may grant the candidate status for that work towards the degree; for not more than two coursework courses. Such status will not be granted unless the Prescribed Authority is satisfied that the course(s) is substantially comparable in quality with the courses offered in this degree.

Status will not be granted for work done as part of a completed degree. Where work done as part of a completed degree is deemed to include the equivalent of any core course, an exemption will be granted from that course, but the student will still be required to complete the full number of coursework courses.

Academic Progress

i)  Normally, satisfactory completion will require a minimum grade of pass to be obtained for each course of coursework and the substantial essay. No more than one undergraduate course (3000 or 4000 series) may be included in the degree and only with the agreement of the Head of the School. Where an undergraduate course is included in the degree, it must be passed with a mark of at least 70% (Distinction level).

ii)  Candidates will only be permitted to repeat a course in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Graduate Studies Advisor.

Supervision

Each student is to be guided by an appropriate member of the academic staff in conduct of the research components, and in selecting suitable coursework courses.  The supervisor may be located in any Department/Centre forming part of the Resource Management and Environmental Science program, and will be identified in discussion with the Graduate Studies Advisor.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.