Postgraduate research overview

Postgraduate Research Study Program

The Institute for Applied Ecology's research programme includes as a major component, postgraduate research and training. The postgraduate research program is built on strong links with the government departments and other bodies we have traditionally served through contract research and consultancy arrangements. Flexible residency requirements and provision for external supervisors mean that postgraduate students can undertake their research in close association with the funding agency, and make a significant contribution to the agency's overall research program. A number of scholarships are available.

Emphasis on Application of Research

The thrust of the postgraduate programs is to encourage research into natural resource management, but at the same time recognising that applied research often relies on basic research into fundamental biological processes. In order to produce well rounded, employable graduates, the programs encourage students to:

  • appreciate the relevance of their work in the broader context of society and the workplace;
  • present their findings in a form that can readily be understood and applied by an informed professional on the periphery of the student's immediate field of interest;
  • develop skills for marshalling support of individuals and granting agencies for a project of merit; and
  • develop skills for interacting with other individuals and so be able to constructively contribute to a research team.

Advice Regarding Application to Study

Prospective students are advised to peruse the documents on Honours, Masters or PhD with regard to the criteria for admissibility and the criteria used to determine whether an offer will be made. Places are limited.

Successful applicants are chosen primarily on the basis of merit. However, a critical requirement is availability and willingness of a member of academic staff to act as a supervisor for the project. Only rarely are students made an offer of place before a suitable supervisor is selected. It is therefore essential that you discuss your proposed line of study with one or more potential supervisors, and gain the agreement of at least one to be your supervisor. International students need to realise that considerable lead time is required between their first tentative enquiry and the decision to offer a place, principally because of the difficulties in negotiating agreement of a supervisor by correspondence.

On-line Graduate Studies in EnviroStats (non-award)

Graduate Studies in Environmental Statistics is a series of non-award short-courses offered online. They will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills in experimental design, sampling and analysis necessary to perform as a practising ecologist, environmental scientist or manager. The course is presented in the context of field and experimental ecology. It is designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in ecology, environmental science or biology at university, but who have only a basic knowledge of statistical analysis. It is for those about to enter postgraduate research or for those who have entered the workplace and who now seek additional training. It is offered fully on-line.

Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours

The Honours degree is designed to provide students with the opportunity to undertake a discrete piece of research under the close guidance of a professional in the field, and so demonstrate their potential for a career as a research scientist. Entry requires a first degree, with a strong undergraduate performance, from any recognised university.  More information ...

Master of Applied Science

The Masters programme (by thesis) began in 1983 building upon the existing postgraduate diploma course. It is distinctive because of its applied and professional emphasis, with projects funded externally by parks and wildlife services, environmental consultancy agencies, or government departments that require research of high quality on a contract basis. The Master of Applied Science graduate has a demonstrated, independently assessed capacity for applied research, including an ability to present findings clearly and in a context relevant to management. Society is becoming more complex, and the level of education required to make a meaningful contribution is increasing. The Masters degree is specifically targeted at an increasing market that demands more than a first-degree holder can offer, but which does not require the specialised skills of a research scientist with a PhD. Many such opportunities arise within agencies concerned with the management of our natural resources. Entry requirements for the Masters Degree are flexible, bypassing a qualifying period for degree holders whose potential for research is already demonstrated through relevant work experience or publication.  More information ...

Doctor of Philosophy

Postgraduate training leading to employment as a practising research scientist is provided by the PhD program. While projects closely linked to immediate application are specifically encouraged, many opportunities remain for research of a more fundamental or strategic nature. Candidates are expected to plan and undertake a substantial piece of independent research which makes an original contribution to the field in which they undertake the study.  More information ...