Master of Catchment Science

Graduates of the Master of Catchment Science will have:

1. 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.
2. Knowledge of how to quantitatively and critically analyse, model, forecast and evaluate the consequences of changes in these processes for catchment function using a range of numerical and spatio-temporal data collection, management, analysis, modelling and visualisation techniques and software tools.
3. Knowledge of contemporary and emerging catchment management and restoration options, the scientific and engineering basis to their operation, their relative suitabilities for and effectiveness in different contexts.

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

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 

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP)

For the award of Master of Catchment Science (MChSc), if eligible to complete this program in 1 year, you must successfully complete 80 credit points made up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module

Pathway 2 - 1.5 years program (120CP)

For the award of Master of Catchment Science (MChSc), if eligible to complete this program in 1.5 years, you must successfully complete 120 credit points made up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

Pathway 3 - 2 years program (160CP)

For the award of Master of Catchment Science (MChSc), if eligible to complete this program in 2 years, you must successfully complete 160 credit points made up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module
• 80 credit points for the Core Module
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

Exit points

To be eligible to exit the Masters program with the Graduate Diploma of Catchment Science award, you must successfully complete 80 credit points of core courses.

To exit, you should apply for a program transfer.

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

Indicative total fee $66,000

The amounts shown here are 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 Master of Catchment Science, you must have one of:

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP):

• a recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND a minimum of 4 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience.

Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120CP):

• a recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale.

Pathway 3 - 2 year program (160CP):

• a recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale.

*Related Discipline: Environmental Science, Ecology, Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Geographic Information Systems/Spatial Science, Geomorphology/Physical Geography

^Professional Experience: Roles within Government Agency, Consulting Firm, NGO, Water Utility, NRM group, Mining/resources company. Roles as Consultant, Project officer/manager, Project delivery (analyst, scientist), Environmental Scientist, Engineer, Planner.

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.

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

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

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.