Fire and frost; drought and flood; summer and winter. Ecosystems are ever-changing. Add the spectre of climate change and it's clear that understanding and protecting our diverse ecosystems is a major ongoing challenge. Will you accept that challenge in your career? This masters degree, which includes a major research project, will take your expertise in ecosystem science to an advanced level, and prepare you for a career in research. Customise the course to suit your interests The course is designed with flexibility in mind. Choose your own path by selecting from a large range of subjects. Conservation biology, ecology, environmental psychology, landscape management, forest science, horticulture, hydrology and soil science are just some of the specialist areas you can explore. Build your research skills You’ll leave the course with a major research project to feature in your CV. The 24-month research project will put your skills to the test, working with one or more of our expert research staff on a real-life ecosystem science issue. Select your own research topic, find the supervisor(s) to fit you and the topic, and consider laboratory, field or social science research elements. Gain more than just technical skills We know that employers today are looking for more than just specialist technical or academic capability. To round out your skill-set, select from a range of high-level professional subjects, including science communication, modelling, programming, ethics, community engagement and more. Course structure Successful completion of 200 credit points, made up of: Discipline core subjects (25 points) Discipline elective subjects (25 points) Professional skills subjects (25 points) Research project (125 points). You’ll select your core and elective subjects from a large range available. Plus, you'll undertake a major research project over 24 months, working on an ecosystem science research question. This can involve laboratory, field or social studies work, as needed. To support you and provide direction, you’ll have one of our expert researchers as a supervisor. You’ll select a research project topic from these areas: conservation biology ecology ecophysiology environmental psychology environmental and landscape management forest science genetics horticulture hydrology soil science We know that you’ll need professional skills to give you the edge in the workplace, so you’ll be able to select from a wide range of high-level professional subjects, including communication, modelling, programming, ethics and more. Career outcomes Our graduates go on to work as: Foresters Ecologists Sustainability experts Environmental risk managers Research and policy advisors. Employers in this field include: Government departments of environment and economic development, including VicForests and the Forestry Corporation of NSW Academic and public research institutions such as universities, or the CSIRO.