Master of Forests (Advanced) in Forests (Advanced)

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Forests (Advanced) at Australian National University is a 96-unit postgraduate degree structured to combine advanced coursework with a substantial research thesis, with a strong emphasis on 8000-level study. The program is evenly split between 48 units of coursework and 48 units of research, ensuring both academic depth and practical research experience. The coursework component includes core forest-focused subjects such as Environmental Governance, Managing Forested Landscapes, Partnership Research for Agricultural and Natural Resource-Based Development, and Biodiversity Conservation, which build a strong foundation in forest systems and sustainability. Students also complete research methods training in areas like ecological modelling, experimental design, environmental monitoring, and management research methods, alongside applied professional courses such as GIS, impact assessment, programming for scientists, science communication, leadership, and internships or independent research projects. A further set of contextual electives allows students to specialise in areas including environmental economics, climate change, ecological policy, water and land management, fire ecology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental governance. The program culminates in a 48-unit Masters Thesis (ENVS8000), undertaken across consecutive semesters and assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation under academic supervision. Progression requires maintaining a minimum 70% weighted average in coursework and securing supervisor approval for a feasible research project, often requiring on-campus engagement. Students who do not meet these requirements may be transferred to a related qualification such as the Master of Forests or Graduate Diploma of Science.