Our river basins or catchments have been progressively transformed over time. We've built cities, we've cleared land for food production and this has had profound consequences for our catchments.

With this specialist degree you'll learn to combine and use scientific, engineering and economic knowledge to planning ways to protect, restore and rehabilitate our catchments. You'll develop the leading edge knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in this rapidly developing area of professional practice. The Master of Catchment Science is the only catchment-dedicated postgraduate degree in the world. Hosted by the International WaterCentre and developed and delivered in collaboration with Griffith University.

Industry and expert connections

We've spoken to the industry about the kinds of skills they're looking for to fill the roles required. This degree provides the right mix of new knowledge, covering natural sciences, monitoring, data analysis, modelling and economics. We offer consistent opportunities for work-integrated learning along with a week-long study field trip.

Graduate outcomes

This is an opportunity to accelerate your position in the planning of projects related to the protection, maintenance or restoration of catchments. You'll have the latest skills in data sensing, analysis and computer modelling, underpinned by robust scientific knowledge and be ready to further your career in the planning and design of green infrastructure in urban and non-urban contexts.

Attendance information

This Masters program will be offered full-time and part-time online.

This program is not available to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.

Work-integrated learning

We offer consistent opportunities for workplace integrated learning, along with a week-long study field trip, either in Australia or overseas.

For full-time students, the Final Project course is done in collaboration or placement with a water sector employer either here in Australia or often anywhere in the world. The International WaterCentre who manage delivery of the program have an extensive global network of government, industry and NGO contacts to make this happen.

Changing programs

If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.

Permanent resident status

If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.

The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy.

If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

My career opportunities

Key industry sectors

The Master of Catchment Science will equip you with the skills and knowledge across hydrology, ecology, environmental chemistry, geomorphology, GIS and remote sensing, statistical and mathematical data analysis, hydrology, hydraulics, hydrological and catchment modelling and economics to play a leading technical role in designing, delivering and evaluating policies, plans, projects, programs and infrastructures for catchment or river basin protection, restoration and management. Graduates will be better able to progress or pursue opportunities working with consulting firms, local governments, water utilities, catchment management organisations and state or national governments.

Potential job outcomes

Graduates have found improved work opportunities in:

• Consultancy
•  Water utilities
•  Local government
•  Natural resource or catchment management agencies
•  State or national government