Graduate Diploma of Catchment Science

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma of Catchment Science (GDCS) will have:

• A critical and applied understanding of catchment hydrological, geo-morphological, chemical, micro-biological, ecological processes, their determinants and inter-relationships across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
• An understanding of how to quantitatively and critically analyse and evaluate the consequences of changes in these processes for catchment function using a range of numerical and spatiotemporal data collection, management, analysis, and visualisation techniques and software tools.

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.

Recommended study pattern

This Graduate Diploma is offered full-time and part-time online.

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Introduction to Catchment Processes
• Data and Computing Skills for Catchment Science 
• Catchment Ecology
• Geographic Information Systems

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Diploma of Catchment Science (GDipChSc), you must successfully complete 80 credit points as specified in the course list.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $30,500

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Catchment Science, an applicant must:

• hold a related Bachelor degree (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (using a 7.0 scale) and at least one year of professional experience
• OR hold a Griffith Graduate Certificate in Catchment Hydrology
• OR hold a Griffith Graduate Certificate in Catchment Processes.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.