• gain both a broad knowledge base about contemporary issues and challenges in environment and sustainability science, and a high level of knowledge of a specific topic reflecting their interests,
• develop their independent learning, analytical, teamwork, and oral and written communication skills;
• have better developed networks relevant to their academic and professional interests;
• consequently, be better placed to respond to the challenges of environment and sustainability through their chosen careers.

This program allows students to take courses from across the ANU, to draw from the ANU's breadth and strength in the environment and sustainability domains; specialisations (a sample of which are listed below) reflect this breadth. The flexibility of course requirements for both the core and specialisation component of the degree allows programs to be structured to meet individual interests. Given the flexibility of the degree, each student is required to discuss their proposed program with by a Fenner School Graduate Advisor, who will help develop and must approve it.

Please note that all applicants for the Graduate Diploma of Environment need to include two professional referee reports with their application.

Program Requirements
The Graduate Diploma of Environment program consists of 8 courses (48 units), comprising

1. an approved course in the general topic area of Economics & Governance;
2. an approved course in the general topic area of Environmental Science;
3. an approved course in the general topic area of Society & Environment;
4. an approved course in the general topic area of Research Methods;
5. four approved courses in an agreed area of specialisation.

Specialisations include, but are not limited to: climate science; earth systems, environmental modelling; human ecology; integrated water resources modelling; water science and policy [list to be expanded to include specialisations offered by other areas, and others offered by the Fenner School of Environment and Society].

Degree Structure

SPECIALISATIONS FOR GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF ENVIRONMENT

Specialisations reflect strengths in teaching and research across the ANU. These are

Integrated Assessment Modelling

Convenors: Dr Barry Croke and Professor Tony Jakeman

Practical and philosophical training in use of models to understand natural water resource systems, to predict the consequences of future scenarios, investigate trade-offs, engage the various interest groups, and to inform policy and management.

Water Science and Management

Convenors: Professor Tony Jakeman and Dr Lachlan Newham

Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary training in the science and integrated management of water with the option of taking courses that cover the role of modelling in the process of management and decision making.

Global Change

Convenors: Dr Janette Lindesay and Professor Brendan Mackey

Understanding of the complex climate and other global change issues, in particular giving the background to tackle the big questions surrounding climate adaptation and vulnerability.

Environmental Policy

Convenors: Dr Richard Baker and Professor Stephen Dovers

Foundational and applied learning in public policy, placed firmly within the context of climate impacts and adaptation, landscape management and water resource management.

Integrative Methods and Practice

Convenors: Dr Robert Dyball and Dr Kate Sherren

Enables students to develop the integrative and interdisciplinary capacities needed to solve major sustainability challenges. Courses address interdisciplinary theory, their methodological expression, and their application to specific problems and topic areas.

Natural Resource Management

Convenors: Dr Richard Greene and Sara Beavis

Allows students to focus on specific NRM arenas, such as agricultural systems, forests, freshwater, and soil resources.

Society and Environment

Convenors: Professor Peter Kanowski and Dr Jacki Schirmer

Focuses on the relationships between people and their environment, at a range of scales and in a diversity of contexts, allowing students to engage with an array of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives which inform these relationships.