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Learn from research and industry experts and diversify your knowledge studying the unique environments of North Queensland, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, dry savannahs and tropical rainforests. Gain strong career planning insights and build critical enterprise skills through the Professional Employability Program.

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Top 75 in the world

for Ecology 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Top 100 in the world

for Earth and Marine Sciences 2024 QS World University Rankings

Enhance your expertise

Build the skills to progress your career

Townsville: February, July

Cairns: February, July

$41,840.00⁺

⁺estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible

2 years full-time

AQF Level 7 bachelor degree in science with minimum GPA of 5.0; or equivalent

English language requirements

Band 1

If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.

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What to expect

In this flexible, 2-year full-time course, you will complete advanced coursework subjects and then undertake your own independent research project or choose to apply your skills in an industry-based project. The research project is a pathway towards a PhD by research program.

Master of Science (Professional) graduates are well equipped to evaluate global environmental challenges and driven to design innovative, sustainable and holistic solutions.

Choose one of seven majors and take specialised elective subjects from the same discipline or broaden your skills with subjects from complementary disciplines.

View the handbook for a detailed overview of available majors and subjects.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Science (Professional).

Majors

Students choose from seven majors and can select elective subjects within the same major or from another discipline to enhance their learning.

Cairns campus only offers the Environmental Earth Science, Global Change Biology, and Tropical Biology and Conservation majors. All programs are available at the Townsville campus

Aquaculture Science and Technology

Students benefit from staff members who are world-leaders in tropical aquaculture research, and a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning. You’ll sharpen your skills in JCU’s Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility, the largest university research aquarium facilities in Australia. You will explore the science behind the innovative and sustainable commercial production of aquatic species.

Gain knowledge and skills on scientific, technological and practical applications of breeding and rearing of aquatic organisms for food, aquarium, pearl and pharmaceutical applications. Through course work with field trips, and unique hands-on Hatchery Technique subject, you will understand how diverse species are farmed and the science and biotechnology approaches to enhance production including physiology, nutrition, genetic selection and disease management.

Our researchers’ strong links to industry will give you a sound professional network and a wide range of career opportunities when you graduate.

Environmental Earth Science

Learn about the impacts of land use, land management, and climate change on the Earth’s surface, about present and future environmental challenges facing modern society, and how applied science is helping to solve these problems.

Gain specialised skills in assessing land and water condition and apply your learnings to the diverse environments of the tropics, including tropical rainforests, fertile agricultural regions, the vast savannah outback, magnificent tropical rivers, diverse coastlines, and various other field areas in North Queensland, Australia and beyond.

Environmental Management

Reap the benefits of hands-on fieldwork experience to develop your capability in natural resource management. Work with research and industry experts and deepen your understanding of how natural environments function and change over time and how to manage them.

Gain specialised technical skills in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. Become an expert in the interconnected ecological and social aspects of managing complex ecosystems.

Fisheries Science and Management

Explore the fundamentals of fisheries science and its application in tropical environments. Gain knowledge, technical skills and experience in fisheries assessments, sustainable development and management approaches.

Tackle the grand challenges in fisheries across small scale and industrial contexts, to ensure the best possible outcomes for human communities, fish stocks, and ecosystems globally. Continue your studies with a research project supervised by one of our world experts in fisheries or apply your learnings with one of our industry partners in fishery management.

Geology

Develop your knowledge of geological structures, mineralogy, plate tectonics and geochemistry, as well as the field, instrumental and analytical techniques used to conduct research in these areas. Benefit from practical experience studying minerals, rocks and sediments — and their chemical make-up — in research contexts including the Great Artesian Basin, the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and other coastal and terrestrial environments.

Learn about feasible and sustainable ways to explore for and extract strategic/critical resources, and evaluate geological natural hazards that may threaten communities.

Global Change Biology

Develop the technical skills and knowledge necessary for environmental conservation, research and analysis in a rapidly changing world.

Gain in-depth knowledge of global changes, patterns of biodiversity, conservation planning and evolutionary adaptation and be equipped to address the threats and challenges to global biodiversity. Learn how to identify major issues impacting species and ecosystems, analyse the contributing factors and formulate methods of solving some of our world's biggest problems.

With the natural environment changing at an unprecedented rate, it has never been more important to understand and reduce the accelerating impacts on our ecosystems.

Tropical Biology and Conservation

Benefit from access to natural environments in close proximity to JCU campuses, including savannahs, the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, and coastal marine habitats. Your studies will integrate a range of disciplines such as zoology, ecology, botany, and behaviour and evolution biology across an array terrestrial and marine habitats.

Observe, explore and build your understanding of the diversity of the biological world while developing the skills necessary to conduct applied research and/or work in environmental science industries delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for conserving the natural environment. Continue your studies with a research project supervised by one of our world experts or apply your learnings with one of our industry partners.

View the handbook for detailed subject information.

Career Opportunities

Advance your scientific career with a professional postgraduate course. JCU Master of Science graduates are highly regarded and find employment in a range of organisations within Australia and around the world.

You could pursue your specialised scientific field in the public or private sector, working for business, government, educational, research or not-for-profit agencies.

As a Master of Science (Professional) graduate, you may find yourself holding positions such as biologist, ecologist, conservation agent, environmental manager/specialist, or within academy as a researcher and/or teacher within these fields. This course is also a pathway towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Handbook

Handbook year	Information valid for students commencing in 2024.
Course code	115804
Course type	Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9)
Owner	Academy
College	Science and Engineering

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites

Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in science with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (65%) or equivalent.

Entry requirements for this course are consistent with the Pathways to Qualifications in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF level 9) Guidelines for Masters degrees.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Post Admission requirements

Some majors require attendance in intensive mode subjects on either the Townsville or Cairns campus. Students may be required to attend intensive mode classes at a campus other than that at which they are enrolled, at their own expense.

Global Change Biology major: A student enrolled in this major will be required to undertake mandatory field trips (or trip) for which they will have to pay an additional fee not included in the course tuition fees.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	48 credit points as per course structure
Course learning outcomes	On successful completion of the Master of Science (Professional), graduates will be able to: Integrate and apply an advanced body of theoretical and technical knowledge, including an understanding of recent developments, in one or more science disciplines. Retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate complex information, concepts and theories from a range of sources. Plan and conduct reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments/practices by selecting and applying methods, techniques and tools, as appropriate to one or more science disciplines. Organise, analyse and interpret complex scientific data using advanced mathematical, statistical and technological skills. Communicate theoretical propositions, methodologies, scientific data, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to specialist and non-specialist audiences through advanced written and oral English language skills and a variety of media. Identify, analyse and generate solutions to unpredictable or complex problems, especially related to tropical, rural, remote or Indigenous contexts, by applying scientific knowledge and skills with initiative and expert judgement. Critically review regulatory requirements, ethical principles and, where appropriate, cultural frameworks, to work effectively, responsibly and safely in diverse contexts. Critically reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes to manage professional learning needs and performance, autonomously and in collaboration with others within a professional workplace environment. Apply knowledge of research principles, methods, techniques and tools to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship within a professional workplace environment.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements	Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Master of Science (Professional).
Reasonable adjustments	All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure.

Course Structure

OPTIONS

Select a major from Table A

PLUS

Select Option 1 or 2

Option 1 – Research Stream

To be eligible for this stream, students must attain a GPA of 5.5 or above from their preceding 24 credit points of JCU level 5 subjects, or approval of the Course Coordinator

SC5912:06 Research Project (Part 1 of 2)

SC5913:06 Research Project (Part 2 of 2)

Option 2 – Professional Employability Stream

To be eligible for this stream, students must satisfactorily complete the pre-requisite subject SC5200 Professional Employability and at least 24 credit points of level 5 JCU subjects

SC5009:12 Postgraduate Internship

MAJORS

Credit points in major

36 credit points

MAJOR	AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Aquaculture Science and Technology	JCU Townsville
Environmental Earth Science	JCU Cairns JCU Townsville
Environmental Management	JCU Townsville
Fisheries Science and Management	JCU Townsville
Geology	JCU Townsville
Global Change Biology	JCU Cairns JCU Townsville	Additional fees required for mandatory fieldtrip
Tropical Biology and Conservation	JCU Cairns JCU Townsville

Location

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
JCU Cairns	Not all majors available at JCU Cairns
JCU Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Maximum time to complete	6 years
Maximum leave of absence	2 years

Progression

Course progression requisites	The Research or Professional Employability stream subjects should not be undertaken until all other subjects are satisfactorily completed. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement for the Research Project option will be required to undertake the Postgraduate Internship.
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	Students admitted to the Master of Science (Professional) do not have a mandatory professional placement however are required to undertake either a Postgraduate Internship or a Research Project as their course capstone option.
Course includes mandatory fieldwork	There are mandatory field trip requirements for students undertaking the Global Change Biology major.
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Professional accreditation requirements	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	A student who has failed the final subject towards the award and who gained 40% or more of the marks for that subject, may be granted a supplementary examination in that subject.

Credit

Eligibility	Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. Credit will only be granted for subjects aligned to the current course’s learning outcomes and if the applicant demonstrates sufficient prior knowledge and skills to achieve the course learning outcomes in the time available in the course. Up to 24 credit points may be granted for an AQF Level 8 qualification in a Cognate* Science discipline as determined by the College of Science and Engineering. *Cognate discipline: Studies at a postgraduate level in a discipline that is closely aligned with or related to the major being undertaken.
Maximum allowed	24 credit points Where a student transfers from one JCU award to another, then credit may be granted for more than two-thirds of the new award, where there is subject equivalence between the awards.
Currency	Credit will be granted only for subjects completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course
Expiry	Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 16 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course.
Other restrictions	Nil

Award Details

Award title	MASTER OF SCIENCE (PROFESSIONAL)
Approved abbreviation	MSc (Prof)
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Majors will appear on the testamur
Exit with lesser award	Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have successfully completed 36 credit points of appropriate subjects, may be eligible for the award of Master of Science. Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have successfully completed 24 credit points of appropriate subjects, may be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Science. Students who have completed 12 credit points of appropriate subjects may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate of Science.
Course articulation	Not applicable
Special Awards	Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD41,840.00

Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Pathways to JCU

A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in this subject area can be used as a pathway into this course.

Explore JCU’s available Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas here or contact our friendly JCU Future Students Team to find out more.

How to apply

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.

Student

Jana Birkby

Master Of Science (Professional)

Studying a Master of Science (Professional) at JCU, I feel like I am walking away with much more than a piece of paper, but with genuine hands-on experience and skills to tackle both industry and further academic studies. Diving and living on an island in the Great Barrier Reef for a field trip was pretty amazing.
International Student - India

Taruna Venkatachalam

Master of Science (Professional)

I chose the Professional program so I could take advantage of the 12-credit research/placement option. Having always wanted to study wildlife sciences, I really wanted to get into research, to help myself and the world understand some of the problems facing our wildlife.
International Student – USA

Aliya Siddiqi

Master of Science (Professional), majoring in Marine Biology

The highlight of my experience has definitely been the Fish and Fisheries Lab run under Dr Andrew Chin. We meet weekly and are exposed to projects and research in the fisheries field. He does an amazing job of highlighting the skills that are necessary to be successful, and challenging us to become better scientists.
Lecturer

Dr Naomi Gardiner

Senior Lecturer, Marine & Aquaculture Sciences

The best part of working at JCU is being part of an incredibly vibrant, active and diverse team of students and staff. Together our JCU Science team regularly makes breakthrough discoveries that change paradigms and practices globally. It is great to be able to contribute to work that really does make a difference.